RELIANCE (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Reliance (probably) isn’t your typical deep-water wreck dive. This isn't a site for hitting depth or seeing pelagics. We’re talking about a shallow scramble into a cave on the east side of Portland Bill, sometimes more of an archaeological treasure hunt than a dive. The wreck, a sailing vessel that ran aground in 1949, is scattered. You’ll find bits of hull and superstructure wedged into the rocks, some pieces still remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into its final moments. Our favourite way to experience this is on a calm day, at low tide, with a good snorkel or, if you're comfortable, a very shallow freedive. The light filters in beautifully, illuminating the encrusting life – anemones, barnacles, and small crabs hiding in the shadows. It’s an intimate exploration, feeling the cold rock and the old wood. You’ll spend your time piecing together the story of the ship, imagining the storm that brought it here. This is a site for the history buffs and those who appreciate the subtle beauty of coastal erosion and marine reclamation, rather than vibrant coral or big fish.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.520718, -2.442147
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 RELIANCE (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 RELIANCE (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