Seven Stones Reef - Cornwall & Devon

Hen and Chickens is one of those spots in the Keys that feels just right for a relaxed morning dive. We love the way the coral heads, those "chickens," cluster around the larger "hen," creating these lovely little swim-throughs and pockets. It’s shallow, only about 6 metres, which means you get fantastic light penetration; the colours really pop. We always find ourselves lingering here, watching midnight parrotfish chip away at the coral, their crunching sounds surprisingly loud in the quiet water. Our favourite part is scouting for the smaller stuff. Keep an eye out for a papillose blenny peeking from a crevice or a fringed flounder trying its best to disappear into the sand. You'll often spot schools of grunt under ledges, just hanging out. For new divers, or anyone just wanting an easy, pretty dive with plenty to see without needing to go deep, Hen and Chickens is a real winner. Go early if you can; it gets a bit busy later in the day, but the marine life doesn’t seem to mind.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.050000, -6.066670
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Porth Seal (St. Martin's)

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 Seven Stones Reef

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 Seven Stones Reef

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