PORT CHALMERS - Cornwall & Devon

Port Chalmers isn't your typical deep-sea wreck dive. It’s better, in our opinion. This sailing vessel, sunk in 1886 off the Manacles, now lies in just two metres of water, making it perfect for a snorkel or a very shallow shore dive. We love this site because it’s so accessible and yet packed with history. You can trace the outline of its 76-metre hull, even seeing bits of the original structure poking through the kelp. Imagine this: the sunlight filtering through the shallow water, illuminating the barnacle-encrusted plates of steel. Schools of juvenile pollack dart in and out of the crevices, and we’ve often spotted a grumpy crab or two scuttling across the seabed, using the wreck as shelter. It feels incredibly personal to be able to get so close to something that was once so grand, now reclaimed by the sea. For photographers, the natural light is a huge bonus, and for those who prefer not to don a full set of gear, it’s a truly rewarding snorkel. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility over the wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.033800, -5.068150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 PORT CHALMERS

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 PORT CHALMERS

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