ORPHEE - Cornwall & Devon

The Orphee, a fishing vessel that met its end off Jersey in '82, now rests in the relatively shallow embrace of Bigbury Bay, making it a surprisingly accessible wreck dive for many. At just 12 metres, you get some excellent bottom time here, which we always appreciate when there's plenty to poke around. We find it’s not just the wreck itself that draws you in, but the way the ocean has completely reclaimed it. You'll fin down to find the Orphee largely intact, her outline still clear on the sandy seabed. There are often schools of pollack circling the mast, and we’ve seen some hefty conger eels peeking out from beneath twisted plating – a real treat. It’s a site that really comes alive on a sunny day when the light filters down, illuminating the vibrant jewel anemones that carpet the deck. We think it’s a brilliant training ground for newer wreck divers or anyone who just wants a relaxed exploration without the pressure of depth or strong currents. Just watch your fins; there's plenty of old fishing gear still snagged on parts of the wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.169000, -2.201333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 ORPHEE

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 ORPHEE

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