ROTA - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the ROTA, you immediately get a sense of its scale. This substantial steamship, sitting upright at 44m, makes for a proper deep wreck dive. We’ve found the bow section particularly interesting, often covered in dead man's fingers, with conger eels peering out from deeper crevices. The twin boilers are still prominent midships, and it's here you can sometimes spot schools of bib sheltering in the structure. It’s a site for experienced divers comfortable with depth and colder UK waters, offering a good opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.416267, -3.315033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

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 ROTA

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 ROTA

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 Rota's dive sites, especially Rota Hole?
The ROTA wreck, a prominent dive site in Cornwall & Devon, is found at a depth of 44 meters. This depth classifies it as an intermediate dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in deep diving.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving around Rota?
Divers exploring the ROTA wreck can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a 94.5m x 13.7m steam ship vessel, built in 1915 and sunk in 1917. The wreck features two boilers, a triple expansion engine, and a single shaft, offering a fascinating historical underwater landscape. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging are the dive sites in Rota, particularly for beginner divers?
The ROTA dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 44 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers who typically require shallower and less demanding conditions. Divers should possess the necessary certifications and experience for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Rota for optimal conditions and visibility?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or visibility at the ROTA wreck. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Rota's main dive sites, like Rota Hole?
Given the ROTA wreck's intermediate difficulty and depth of 44 meters, divers will need advanced certifications, such as a deep diver specialty, to safely explore this site. It is crucial to have the appropriate training and experience for such depths and wreck environments.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like for scuba diving in Rota?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or water visibility for diving at the ROTA dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with dive operators before planning their dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.