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