PHILOTIS - Cornwall & Devon

The Philotis isn’t a shallow splash, so bring your deep cert and good gas management. This 122-metre steamship, sunk in 1940, lies upright at 49 metres, a vast, dark shape rising out of the seabed. We love the sheer scale of her; you can spend an entire dive exploring the bow, then come back to spend another on the stern. The twin boilers are still prominent, standing proud and offering plenty of nooks for conger eels to eye you from. Her triple-expansion engine is also quite something to behold. We’ve seen huge shoals of pouting hanging off the mast structure, and the deck plates are often covered in jewel anemones, a pop of colour against the muted steel. Drop onto her on a calm day with good visibility, and you’ll find yourself truly immersed in history. It's a proper wreck diver's dive, challenging but immensely rewarding.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.616585, -5.153767
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: Arfordir Penrhyn Angle / Angle Peninsula 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 PHILOTIS

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 PHILOTIS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Philotis?
The Philotis wreck is located at a depth of 49m. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see at Philotis?
The Philotis is a significant underwater feature, being a large steam ship vessel measuring 121.9m x 15.8m. As a wreck site, you can expect to explore the remains of this impressive ship, which sank on September 3, 1940. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often attract a variety of local species over time.
How challenging is diving at Philotis, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Philotis is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 49m, it is not suitable for beginners and requires advanced certifications and experience in deep diving. Divers should be comfortable with challenging conditions often associated with deeper wreck dives.
When is the best time of year to dive Philotis for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Philotis for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Philotis?
Given the Philotis wreck's depth of 49m and intermediate difficulty, divers will need advanced certifications such as PADI Deep Diver or equivalent. It is crucial to have proper training and experience for deep wreck diving to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Philotis dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical currents or water conditions at the Philotis dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive, especially for deeper wreck sites in areas like Cornwall & Devon.