POTLESS - Cornwall & Devon

Potless, a fishing vessel sunk in 1976 after a collision with the ferry 'Southsea', isn't deep. In fact, it's barely a metre, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely snorkel or even a very shallow dive if you fancy getting properly horizontal. What we love about it, though, is its accessibility and the sheer amount of life that has moved in. You'll find the wreck spread across the seabed, a jumble of metal now completely encrusted. We've seen shore crabs scuttling amongst the plates, their claws waving as you pass. Small wrasse dart in and out of the crevices, and sometimes you'll spot a flatfish, almost perfectly camouflaged, pressed against the sand nearby. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck exploration, perfect for building confidence or simply enjoying a different perspective on the underwater world. Our top tip? Go at high tide for the best visibility and a little more water to play in; it can get quite silty if there’s been a lot of boat traffic.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.783905, -1.101457
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Portsmouth Harbour

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 POTLESS

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 POTLESS

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