PRIMROSE - Cornwall & Devon

The Primrose is a personal favourite of ours, a small trawler that went down in 1929. At only 14 metres, it’s a brilliant dive for those newer to wreck diving or anyone wanting a relaxed second dive. You’ll typically find decent visibility here, especially on a neap tide, allowing you to really take in the wreck’s shape. What we love about the Primrose is how much of its character remains. The bow points clearly towards the surface, and you can still make out the outline of the stern. It's not a wreck you penetrate, but swimming over the collapsed holds, you often spot conger eels tucked into the darker corners. The metalwork is draped in dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones, creating these vibrant, soft coral carpets. Look closely around the superstructure for the little nudibranchs, particularly the lemon peel nudibranchs that blend in surprisingly well. It’s a gentle wreck, perfect for an hour’s exploration, offering a glimpse into Cornwall’s fishing past and a lovely display of local marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.355480, -3.426236
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: East Aberthaw 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 PRIMROSE

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 PRIMROSE

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