RIVERSDALE - Cornwall & Devon

The *Riversdale*, a steamship torpedoed in 1917, now rests upright at 41 metres, making it a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. You’ll find her two boilers standing proud, with the triple expansion engine still largely intact, offering some fascinating penetration opportunities for those with the right training. Schools of pollock often swirl around the superstructure, and if you look closely, conger eels peer out from the darker recesses. It’s a proper deep wreck dive, often with decent visibility for the region, but expect brisk currents and plan your dive meticulously.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.196167, -3.735900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 RIVERSDALE

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 RIVERSDALE

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

How deep is the Riversdale wreck dive site?
The Riversdale wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 41 meters. This depth classifies it as an intermediate dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Riversdale?
Divers exploring the Riversdale wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 96.9m in length and 14.3m in width. Notable features include its two boilers and the triple expansion engine with a single shaft. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging is diving the Riversdale wreck, particularly for wreck penetration?
Diving the Riversdale wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its classification as a Dangerous wreck, any form of wreck penetration should be approached with extreme caution and is only recommended for highly experienced divers with specialized equipment and training.
What are the best tidal conditions or times to dive the Riversdale wreck?
Our current data for the Riversdale wreck does not specify the best tidal conditions or times to dive. We recommend consulting local dive operators or a comprehensive when-to-dive guide for up-to-date information on local currents and tides.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Riversdale wreck?
Given the Riversdale wreck's depth of 41 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification, with a Deep Diver specialty recommended. For any potential wreck penetration, specialized wreck diving certifications are essential due to its classification as a Dangerous wreck.
What are the usual visibility and current conditions at the Riversdale dive site?
The provided data for the Riversdale dive site does not include specific details regarding usual visibility or current conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers or experienced guides in Cornwall & Devon for the most current site conditions.