ROTORUA - Cornwall & Devon

The Rotorua, a substantial steamship, lies deep off the coast, a site for technical divers. Sunk in 1917 by a German torpedo, this 147-metre vessel offers a big canvas for exploration. We’ve found her superstructure well-preserved in places, with access points into holds where sunlight sometimes filters through. Expect encounters with conger eels tucked into dark corners and schools of bib darting through the broken decks. It’s a serious dive, rewarding for those with the training to appreciate a piece of maritime history at depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.307983, -2.996217
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 ROTORUA

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 ROTORUA

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 is the typical diving depth in Rotorua's dive sites, such as Lake Rotoma?
The specific dive site known as ROTORUA, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is a deep wreck dive. Divers exploring this particular site can expect a depth of 55 meters. Please note that information regarding other dive sites like Lake Rotoma is not available in our current data for this region.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see when scuba diving in Rotorua?
When scuba diving at the ROTORUA site, divers will primarily explore a fascinating historical underwater feature: a steamship wreck. This vessel, built in 1910 and sunk on March 22, 1917, measures an impressive 147.6m by 19m. Our current data does not specify particular marine life sightings for this wreck, but wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
How challenging is scuba diving in Rotorua, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Scuba diving at the ROTORUA wreck is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. Given its depth of 55 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for deep and wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Rotorua for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the ROTORUA dive site does not include specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find helpful resources on our When to Dive page, but please note this will not be specific to Rotorua.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Rotorua's dive sites?
While our data does not explicitly list required certifications for the ROTORUA dive site, its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at a depth of 55 meters strongly implies advanced training. Divers should hold certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and ideally a Deep Diver and/or Wreck Diver specialty certification. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions like for diving in Rotorua?
Our current data for the ROTORUA dive site does not provide specific details on typical water currents or visibility conditions. These factors can vary significantly based on weather, tides, and other environmental elements. We recommend consulting local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information before planning your dive.