RHENANIA - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.726776, -2.255111
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 RHENANIA

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 RHENANIA

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