POLDOWN - Cornwall & Devon

The Poldown, sunk in 1917, lies upright and mostly intact on a seabed of 30 metres. This isn't one of those wrecks where you’re just looking at scattered debris; she’s still very much a ship, and that’s what we love about her. The stern is our favourite, with the huge propeller standing proud, a real draw for photo opportunities. You’ll often find conger eels tucked into every dark corner and huge pollack swimming in lazy circles around the mast, which still reaches up towards the surface. Exploring the Poldown feels like stepping back in time, the triple expansion engine is exposed and really quite something to behold. We’d suggest saving your torch batteries for peering into the holds, where the light can be quite dim even on a bright day. The wreck is slowly collapsing, so penetrations aren’t really an option, but there's plenty to see from the outside. Visibility can be hit or miss in Cornwall, but when it’s good, the Poldown offers a fantastic dive for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a bit of maritime history and some surprisingly robust marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.526940, -5.085774
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

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 POLDOWN

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 POLDOWN

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 maximum depth of the Poldown dive site?
The Poldown dive site reaches a maximum depth of 30 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience in deeper environments.
What wreck features and marine life can divers expect to see at the Poldown?
The Poldown is a steam ship vessel, sunk in 1917, measuring 70.1m x 10.7m. Divers can expect to explore its structure, including a single boiler and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species.
How difficult is the Poldown dive site, and what experience level is recommended?
The Poldown dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive. Divers should possess the necessary skills and experience for this level, including comfort with deeper dives and potential wreck penetration.
When is the best time of year to dive the Poldown for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Poldown is not available. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the Poldown wreck?
Given the Poldown's 30-meter depth and intermediate difficulty as a wreck dive, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and a Wreck Diver specialty are highly recommended. These ensure divers have the training for deeper environments and safe wreck exploration.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Poldown dive site?
The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions or visibility at the Poldown dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on these factors.