ORFORDNESS - Cornwall & Devon

Orfordness. Now this one, she’s a proper piece of history down there. We’re talking about a WWI torpedo victim, sunk by U-60 back in 1918. Lying in about 32 metres, she’s a big steamship, over 100 metres long, which means there’s plenty to explore without feeling like you’re doing laps. When the visibility is on your side, which for us in the UK means managing expectations but still hoping, you can really make out the scale of her. The triple expansion engine is a favourite spot of ours, often draped in plumose anemones, and you’ll find conger eels tucked into every dark crevice. We’ve seen huge shoals of pouting hanging around the bridge structure, almost like they’re guarding the old girl. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration; take your time, poke around the hold, and imagine what it was like for those sailors. This is a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and enjoy the quiet thrill of a deep, solid wreck. Just keep an eye on the currents, they can be a bit frisky out there sometimes.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.408894, -5.198257
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

Marine Protected Area: Kelsey Head

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to ORFORDNESS

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ORFORDNESS

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories