PARBLEU - Cornwall & Devon

Parbleu is one of those wrecks that just makes you smile. Sunk in 1990 after engine and sail failure, this 9.4-meter sailing vessel rests upright and remarkably intact, close to shore. We love that you can see her mast still reaching skyward, sometimes breaking the surface on a low tide, which makes for a fascinating silhouette against the sun. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is how much this wreck feels like a little secret garden. The cabin is still open for exploration, with schools of juvenile pollock darting in and out of the doorways. Look for the resident velvet swimming crabs, often tucked into the crevices of the hull, their red eyes peering out. The deck is covered in dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones, shifting subtly with the current. This site is brilliant for macro photographers or anyone who enjoys a relaxed, shallow dive with plenty of nooks and crannies to investigate. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day when the light penetrates the mast, illuminating the suspended particles around the wreck, giving it an ethereal glow. It’s an easy dive, perfect for warming up or unwinding after a deeper exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.313915, -4.084477
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Wembury Point

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 PARBLEU

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 PARBLEU

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