PORTSEA - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, Portsea. This isn’t a deep dive, barely two meters at its highest point, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not worth the effort. It’s a steamship, lost off Hournet Florains, and what you get here is a proper shallow water wreck, broken up a bit by time and tide. We love that it’s so close to the surface; it makes for some fantastic ambient light play, especially on a sunny day. You’ll spend your time here weaving through twisted metal plates and around rusted girders, feeling the slight tug of the current even in the calmest conditions. The wreck itself has become a home for all sorts of critters. Look closely, and you’ll spot tiny blennies peering from crevices, and the occasional dogfish tucked under a plate. It's a proper slow-motion exploration, perfect for photographers wanting to capture light and texture. We’d suggest hitting this one at slack tide to really appreciate the details without getting pushed around too much.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.730390, -2.161778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 PORTSEA

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 PORTSEA

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