PERRITON - Cornwall & Devon

Perriton isn’t the kind of wreck you just stumble upon. She’s deep, proper deep at 48 metres, so this one's strictly for the experienced technical divers among us. We love the challenge of getting down to her, knowing you’re one of the few who’ll see this particular piece of history. Sunk by German gunfire in 1918, while carrying flints from Dieppe, she’s a stark reminder of wartime perils, and a dive that really makes you think. The wreck itself, a 22.6-metre sailing vessel, lies upright and surprisingly intact given her age and method of sinking. Our favourite part has to be the bow, still pointing resolutely towards the surface, often shrouded in a shoal of pout. Descending through the green water and seeing her emerge from the gloom is a proper goosebump moment. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes five, so pick your weather window carefully. We’d suggest a slack water dive for sure, as the currents can pick up. You’ll find plenty of conger eels making homes in her nooks and crannies, and the occasional lobster peeking out from under a plate. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for those who appreciate history and the atmosphere of a deep, forgotten ship.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.367256, -2.959591
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start 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 PERRITON

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 PERRITON

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