SIMLA - Cornwall & Devon

The Simla, a grand iron sailing ship, rests at 36 metres off the Cornish coast. We tend to think of her as a proper exploration dive, a significant piece of history to explore rather than a quick look-around. She started life as a P&O steamship, later converted to sail, before sinking in 1884. That makes her an older wreck, and the years have softened her edges, but the scale of her remains is still impressive at over 100 metres long. You'll find a lot of her structure is collapsed, yet her sheer size means there’s plenty to navigate, with plate work and ribs forming interesting swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into crevices and plumose anemones carpeting the darker sections. It’s a dive for those comfortable with deeper UK waters and a healthy respect for maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.499260, -1.359278
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

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 SIMLA

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 SIMLA

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 depth range for diving at the Similan Islands, and are there sites suitable for beginners?
I apologize, but the provided data context pertains specifically to the SIMLA wreck dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Similan Islands. Therefore, I cannot provide details on typical depth ranges or beginner suitability for the Similan Islands based on the information given.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see when diving in the Similan Islands?
I apologize, but the provided data context pertains specifically to the SIMLA wreck dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Similan Islands. Therefore, I cannot provide details on marine life or coral formations for the Similan Islands based on the information given.
How challenging are the dive sites at the Similan Islands, particularly regarding currents and overall difficulty levels?
I apologize, but the provided data context pertains specifically to the SIMLA wreck dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Similan Islands. Therefore, I cannot provide details on the challenging nature, currents, or overall difficulty levels for the Similan Islands based on the information given.
What is the best time of year to visit the Similan Islands for optimal diving conditions and marine encounters?
I apologize, but the provided data context pertains specifically to the SIMLA wreck dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Similan Islands. Therefore, I cannot provide details on the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters for the Similan Islands based on the information given.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Similan Islands, and can beginners get certified there?
I apologize, but the provided data context pertains specifically to the SIMLA wreck dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Similan Islands. Therefore, I cannot provide details on required scuba diving certifications or beginner certification opportunities for the Similan Islands based on the information given.
What are the typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, experienced by divers in the Similan Islands?
I apologize, but the provided data context pertains specifically to the SIMLA wreck dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Similan Islands. Therefore, I cannot provide details on typical water conditions, currents, or visibility for the Similan Islands based on the information given.