ORION
Protected Area
Great Tor (Three Cliff Bay)
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ORION offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Orion, a fishing vessel that went down in 1981, rests at 28 meters a couple of miles south of Oxwich Point. She’s not a huge wreck, just over 10 meters long, but what she lacks in size she makes up for in character. Over the decades, she’s become a home for various crabs and lobsters, tucked into the nooks and crannies of her decaying structure. Penetration isn't really an option here given the unstable nature, but swimming around her deck and peering into the collapsed wheelhouse offers plenty to see for divers who appreciate a well-established artificial reef. We find it’s a good choice for a second dive on a longer day, or for newer wreck divers wanting to practice their buoyancy without strong currents.
Typical ORION Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 28m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to ORION
Dive shops near ORION
View all dive centres in Cornwall & DevonReviews for ORION
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ORION
ORION Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ORION, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cornwall & DevonPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.
Search stays in Cornwall & DevonDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near ORION
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.