PLUTUS - Cornwall & Devon

The Plutus, for us, is a dive that really captures a piece of history, resting deep at 56 metres. This isn't a site you casually drop onto. It’s a deep, challenging dive, making it one for experienced technical divers who appreciate a well-preserved piece of maritime history. The wreck itself is a merchant vessel, torpedoed back in 1917, and the sheer sense of scale down there is impressive. We love tracing the lines of the hull, picturing it as it was over a century ago. Descending to the Plutus, the light fades quickly, and the cold bite of the water really hits home – a sharp contrast to some of the warmer spots we visit. But that cold means brilliant visibility often, and the wreck is often swathed in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the currents. Look closely, and you’ll spot dogfish tucked into crevices and ling lurking in the shadows. We’d suggest a calm weather window for this one, as any surface chop makes the long decompression stops far less comfortable. It’s a rewarding dive, but definitely one that demands respect and thorough planning.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.690533, -5.121052
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 PLUTUS

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 PLUTUS

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