PORTUGALETE (PROBABLY). - Cornwall & Devon

The Portugalete, likely that’s what she is, sits broken but proud at 16 metres, a grand old dame of the sea from 1882. We love a wreck with a story, and this one, foundered on the Rockham Shoal, certainly has one. The stern section, a chaotic jumble of plates and ribs, is our favourite part. It’s where we often find a grumpy conger eel peering out from a dark crevice, or an inquisitive pollack weaving through the exposed beams. Further towards the bow, the wreck flattens, giving way to a scatter of cargo. It’s here, amongst the debris, that we’ve sometimes spotted the iridescent flash of a jewel anemone, adding a surprising splash of colour to the monochrome steel. The main hull is home to an impressive number of crabs and lobsters, tucked into every nook and cranny. We’d suggest a strong torch; the ambient light can be a bit dim, even on a sunny day. This wreck is perfect for those who enjoy pottering, exploring the details rather than just swimming over the top. It’s not a huge site, so you can really take your time, letting your eyes adjust to the shadows and seeing what critters reveal themselves.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.234932, -3.693782
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Glenthorne

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 PORTUGALETE (PROBABLY).

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 PORTUGALETE (PROBABLY).

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