Sarn Badrig - Cornwall & Devon

Molasses Reef consistently delivers. It’s a popular spot for a reason, especially if you’re looking for classic Keys reef diving without too much fuss. We find it’s got a bit of everything, from shallow, sun-drenched coral heads to deeper ledges that attract bigger fish. We’ve drifted through schools of French grunts so thick they shimmered, and watched barracuda hang motionless, like silver sentinels. Our favourite areas are often around the mooring balls near the shallower sections, where the light plays beautifully on the brain and star corals. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff there too – we’ve spotted Cherub Pygmy Angelfish darting in and out of crevices. Deeper, around the 15-20 metre mark, you’ll often find impressive hogfish and red grouper. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, it stretches to 25 metres, making for easy navigation. It’s a fantastic site for photographers, especially with that vibrant afternoon light. While currents can pick up, they’re generally manageable, making it suitable for most certified divers.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.810800, -4.157400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Morfa Dyffryn

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 Sarn Badrig

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 Sarn Badrig

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