ORIFLAMME - Cornwall & Devon

The Oriflamme is a deep, moody dive, a proper wreck for those who love history and a bit of a challenge. Dropping onto her at 37 metres, you’re met with a tanker ripped apart by a torpedo, her stern section the most intact. We love exploring the huge boilers, still standing proud, and swimming through the engine room where the triple-expansion engine bits are scattered like forgotten toys. This isn't a brightly coloured reef dive, but the marine life here is phenomenal in a different way. Expect to see massive conger eels peering from every dark recess, their heads like grizzled old men. Ballan wrasse dart in and out of the plating, and occasionally a curious dogfish will glide past. It’s a dive for advanced divers comfortable with depth and limited light. We’d suggest a good torch is essential, not just for peering into the dark, but for picking out the incredible colours of the jewel anemones that cling to the metalwork. Go on a slack tide for the best experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.553950, -1.297833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Marine Protected Area: Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

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 ORIFLAMME

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 ORIFLAMME

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the ORIFLAMME dive site?
The ORIFLAMME dive site is a wreck located at a depth of 37 meters. This makes it an intermediate-level dive, suitable for divers comfortable with deeper profiles and requiring appropriate training.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at ORIFLAMME?
Divers at the ORIFLAMME can explore the remains of a 102.4m x 13.7m tanker vessel, which sank in 1917. Key features of this historic wreck include its two boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local wildlife, making them vibrant artificial reefs.
How difficult is the ORIFLAMME dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The ORIFLAMME dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty and is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck." Due to its depth of 37 meters and classification, it is not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for wreck diving at this depth.
What is the best time of year to dive at ORIFLAMME for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at the ORIFLAMME dive site is not provided in our current data. We recommend consulting local dive operators or checking our When to Dive section for general guidance on diving in Cornwall & Devon.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the ORIFLAMME dive site?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the ORIFLAMME's depth of 37 meters and its classification as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck," divers should ideally hold advanced open water or deep diver certifications. Proper training and experience in wreck diving are highly recommended to safely explore this site.
What are the prevailing currents and water conditions typically encountered at ORIFLAMME?
Our current data does not provide specific details on the prevailing currents or typical water conditions encountered at the ORIFLAMME dive site. Divers should always consult with local dive centers for up-to-date information on conditions before planning their dive.