ORYX
Protected Area
East of Start Point
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) - ORYX offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Oryx, a former smack vessel, rests in 51 metres, a quiet testament to a wartime encounter back in 1918. Dropping down, you’ll find her relatively intact, giving a real sense of her original form despite the passage of time. The wreck itself has become a haven, with crabs and lobsters tucked into every crevice, and plumose anemones blooming across her structure, catching plankton in the gentle current. It’s a dive for those with experience in deeper water, offering a contemplative exploration of history and the marine life that has claimed it.
Typical ORYX Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 51m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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 ORYX
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ORYX
ORYX Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ORYX, 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
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