ROTA
Protected Area
Lyme Bay and Torbay
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) - ROTA offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical ROTA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 44m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to ROTA
Dive shops near ROTA
View all dive centres in Cornwall & DevonReviews for ROTA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ROTA
ROTA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ROTA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cornwall & DevonPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.
Search stays in Cornwall & DevonDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near ROTA
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.