SANDHEAP
Protected Area
Studland Bay
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) - SANDHEAP offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Sandheap, off the coast of Cornwall, is a dispersed barge wreck from 1955. It's not a towering structure, more a collection of ribs and plates scattered across the seabed, giving it the feel of an archaeological dig. We’ve found conger eels tucked into the larger sections of twisted metal, and crabs scuttling amongst the debris. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, as is typical for the area, but on a good day, it offers a relaxed rummage for divers who enjoy piecing together a wreck’s story from its remnants rather than exploring intact sections. It’s a good one for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a reef reclaimed by nature.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to SANDHEAP
Dive shops near SANDHEAP
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Divers Down
Dorset Diving Services
TAL Scuba Ltd.
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Dive Beyond Limited
Reviews for SANDHEAP
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SANDHEAP
SANDHEAP Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SANDHEAP, 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
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