PRESIDENT POINCARE - Cornwall & Devon

The *President Poincare* isn’t about depth, it’s about history you can touch. At a mere two metres, this tug, sunk in 1943, feels more like an open-air museum. We love it for its sheer accessibility, making it perfect for newer divers, snorkelers, or anyone wanting a relaxed dip with a story. You'll find yourself practically eye-level with the barnacle-encrusted hull, easily poking around the machinery that still lies scattered. The visibility here can be decent on a good day, allowing sunlight to dapple through the water, highlighting the kelp fronds swaying gently from the wreck’s frame. Look for blennies darting into crevices and the occasional inquisitive crab scuttling across the plates. It’s not a deep, dramatic dive, but the feeling of exploring a genuine wartime relic, even in such shallow water, makes it a uniquely satisfying experience. Our tip: go on a calm, sunny day to appreciate the light and the surprising amount of life that calls this old tug home.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.153168, -2.153278
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 PRESIDENT POINCARE

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 PRESIDENT POINCARE

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