RADAAS (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Radaas (Probably) is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Cornwall. She's a steamer, gone down in 1917, and what’s left is a genuinely solid dive. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often into a swirling cloud of baitfish, coalfish mostly, that really sets the scene. We love finning along her length, about 88 metres, where the two boilers stand proudest, covered in plumose anemones that shimmer in the torchlight. The triple expansion engine is a fantastic exploration, a real jumble of metal now, but you can still make out the workings. It’s home to conger eels, tucked deep inside, and we've spotted dogfish resting on the sand nearby. The stern section is more broken up, but it has this lovely, eerie feel, with kelp swaying in the surge, giving it a true wild Atlantic vibe. We think it’s best dived on a slack tide, with decent visibility, which can hit 10-15 metres on a good day, turning the deck into a murky grey landscape. It’s not for beginners, but for divers with some experience, Radaas offers a proper wreck dive, full of atmosphere and plenty to poke around.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.570683, -3.081383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Marine Protected Area: Lyme Bay and Torbay

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 RADAAS (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 RADAAS (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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at the Radaas dive site?
The Radaas dive site typically features a depth of 29 meters. This makes it a fascinating wreck dive, exploring the remains of a steam ship vessel. You can find more details about this site at Radaas (Probably).
What marine life and underwater attractions can I expect to encounter when diving Radaas?
When diving Radaas, the primary underwater attraction is the wreck of a steam ship vessel, sunk on September 21, 1917. This impressive 88.4m x 12.2m vessel, built in 1890, offers a unique historical exploration opportunity. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data for this site, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
Is the Radaas dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered advanced?
The Radaas dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its nature as a "Dangerous wreck" and a depth of 29 meters, it is not typically recommended for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for such conditions.
What is the best season or time of year to dive at Radaas for good visibility and conditions?
Our current data for the Radaas dive site does not specify the best season or time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives in the United Kingdom, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for broader insights.
Do I need a specific certification level, like Advanced Open Water, to dive at Radaas?
Given that the Radaas dive site is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive with a depth of 29 meters, a certification level beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a Wreck Diver specialty, would be highly recommended. This ensures you have the necessary training and experience to safely explore this "Dangerous wreck."
What are the usual water currents and visibility conditions at the Radaas dive site?
Our available data for the Radaas dive site does not include specific details regarding usual water currents or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this wreck site should always check local conditions with dive operators immediately prior to their dive.