SKARAAS - Cornwall & Devon

The Skaraas, a steamship that went down in 1918, lies at 35 metres, making it a dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks in potentially challenging conditions. She’s a decent size at nearly 80 metres long, and while the structure is broken, you can still make out her two boilers and parts of the engine. Over the decades, crabs and lobsters have moved in, finding shelter among the twisted metal, and we often spot conger eels tucked away in the darker recesses. It’s a proper historical dive, a testament to the shipping lanes off Cornwall, rather than a site for vibrant corals.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.992268, -5.109366
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Coverack Cove & Dolor Point

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 SKARAAS

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 SKARAAS

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 scuba diving at SKARAAS?
The typical depth for scuba diving at SKARAAS is 35 meters. This makes it a dive suitable for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations. You can find more information about this fascinating wreck site on DivePlnr.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at SKARAAS?
Divers at SKARAAS can expect to explore the impressive underwater topography of a steam ship vessel, measuring 79.2m x 10.7m. As a wreck site, it provides a unique habitat that typically attracts various marine species, making it an interesting location for underwater encounters.
How difficult is diving at SKARAAS, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at SKARAAS is classified as intermediate difficulty and is considered a "Dangerous wreck." Due to its depth of 35 meters and classification, it is not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at SKARAAS for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at SKARAAS for optimal conditions and specific marine encounters is not available in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at SKARAAS?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed, given that SKARAAS is an intermediate difficulty dive to a depth of 35 meters, divers would typically need an advanced open water certification or a specialty deep diving or wreck diving certification. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for such an environment.
What are the prevailing currents and visibility conditions usually like at the SKARAAS dive site?
Details regarding the prevailing currents and typical visibility conditions at the SKARAAS dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date site conditions.