POITIERS (PART OF)(POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Poitiers* is a seriously special wreck, a proper slice of history lying just off the Cornish coast. We love diving her because she’s not just a pile of metal, there’s a real sense of her past. She sits upright, largely intact, which always makes for a more evocative dive than a scattered debris field. You’ll drop down and often find the prop still visible, a huge, silent sentinel on the seabed at 22 metres. As you explore, keep an eye out for conger eels poking their heads from every crevice and the huge plumose anemones that carpet parts of the structure, swaying gently in the current. We’ve had some fantastic dives here, the light filtering down through the often green-tinted water, illuminating the ghostly superstructure. It’s a site that suits experienced divers who appreciate wreck penetration, with plenty of swim-throughs if you know where to look. Best dived on a slack tide for comfort, otherwise the surge can make things a bit challenging.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.975870, -4.612916
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Marine Protected Area: Welcombe

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 POITIERS (PART OF)(POSSIBLY)

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 POITIERS (PART OF)(POSSIBLY)

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 maximum depth for recreational diving at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly)?
The Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) dive site offers a maximum depth of 22m, making it accessible for many recreational divers. This depth allows for exploration of the steam ship vessel, which was sunk in 1918. For more details on this site, visit the Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) dive site page.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly)?
Divers at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) will primarily explore the fascinating remains of a steam ship vessel, sunk on April 28, 1918. This 76.5m x 13.4m wreck features two boilers and a triple expansion engine, offering an intriguing historical underwater landscape. While specific marine life is not detailed for this site, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive conditions at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) for different certification levels?
The dive conditions at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) are classified as intermediate, indicating it's suitable for certified divers with some experience. Furthermore, the site is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," which suggests potential hazards and requires careful planning and appropriate training. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills and certifications for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly). For general guidance on diving in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section or checking local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for current conditions.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly)?
Given the intermediate difficulty and the 22m depth of the Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) wreck, an Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended. Additionally, as it is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," specialized training such as a Wreck Diver certification would be highly beneficial to safely navigate and explore the site. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents or water conditions at the Poitiers (Part of)(Possibly) dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date reports on currents, visibility, and temperature. Always prioritize safety and local expertise.