ROYAL ADELAIDE - Cornwall & Devon

The Royal Adelaide, a 70-meter iron sailing vessel, ran aground off Chesil Beach back in 1872. Today, it’s a pretty accessible dive, sitting shallow at 11 meters. You’ll find the wreck quite broken up, but its sheer size means there’s plenty of scattered framework and hull plates to explore. We often spot conger eels tucked into the larger crevices, and schools of bib dart around the more intact sections. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers looking to get a feel for a historical wreck without deep depths or strong currents, particularly on a calm day.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.577550, -2.475567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 ROYAL ADELAIDE

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 ROYAL ADELAIDE

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 Royal Adelaide wreck dive?
The Royal Adelaide wreck is quite shallow, with a maximum depth of 11 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certification levels, offering a great opportunity to explore this historic site located in Cornwall & Devon.
What marine life and wreck features can I expect to see when diving the Royal Adelaide?
While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, divers can expect to explore the substantial remains of the Royal Adelaide, an iron-built sailing vessel measuring 70.9m x 11.6m. This historic wreck, sunk in 1872, offers fascinating structural features for exploration. For more on general marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Royal Adelaide dive site, especially considering the shore entry?
The Royal Adelaide dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the data doesn't detail shore entry specifics, divers should be prepared for conditions typical of an intermediate wreck dive in Cornwall & Devon. Always assess your comfort level with the conditions on the day of your dive.
What is the best time of year or tide to dive the Royal Adelaide wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or tide to dive the Royal Adelaide wreck. For optimal conditions, we recommend checking local dive reports and consulting with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon. You can also find general information on when to dive on DivePlnr.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Royal Adelaide?
Given its intermediate difficulty and 11-meter depth, divers should hold at least an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. For wreck penetration or more advanced exploration of this 70.9m x 11.6m iron sailing vessel, advanced certifications may be beneficial. Always dive within your certification limits and experience.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Royal Adelaide dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details on typical currents or visibility conditions at the Royal Adelaide dive site. As an intermediate wreck dive in Cornwall & Devon, conditions can vary, so it's always best to consult local dive operators for up-to-date information before planning your dive to the Royal Adelaide.