PELICAN - Cornwall & Devon

The Pelican, nestled off the Cornish coast, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. We’ve had some truly memorable dives here, often in conditions that felt more like an adventure than a leisurely drift. She was a French brig, sunk way back in 1796, and while two centuries of seabed have taken their toll, there’s still plenty of character to her bones. When the visibility is good, which for us tends to be on an incoming tide with minimal swell, you can make out the anchor and chain, often draped with dead man's fingers. Our favourite part is exploring the scattered timbers, home to some surprisingly large conger eels – we’ve seen a few heads the size of small logs peeking from the gloom. You’ll also spot plenty of spider crabs clambering over the fragments, and often a few inquisitive dogfish nosing around. It’s a site that rewards repeat visits and a keen eye, especially for history buffs who enjoy piecing together the past from scattered remains. Not one for the faint of heart on a choppy day, but brilliant for those who appreciate a bit of a challenge and a genuinely atmospheric dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.218273, -3.459567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Blue Anchor to Lilstock 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 PELICAN

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 PELICAN

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