RHENANIA

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - RHENANIA offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Rhenania, tucked away off the Channel Islands, is a delightful surprise for divers who appreciate a good shallow wreck. We love how accessible it is, sitting upright in a mere four metres of water. It’s perfect for a long, relaxed dive, really letting you take your time exploring the hull and machinery. You can trace the deck plating, now mostly collapsed, but the sheer size of the boilers still impresses, coated in a thick velvet of plumose anemones. What makes the Rhenania a standout for us isn't just the history of a ship that ran aground in 1912, but the way the ocean has completely reclaimed it. The light here, even on an overcast day, filters down beautifully, illuminating the swaying kelp forests that have grown up around the exposed frames. Look closely, and you’ll spot scorpionfish tucked into crevices and often a playful grey seal weaving through the girders, drawn by the shelter. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm morning, just after high tide, when visibility is usually at its best and the colours pop. It’s a site that tells a story, perfect for photographers and anyone who enjoys a peaceful, intimate wreck dive.