SMYRNA - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the Smyrna is like stepping back into a different era of shipping. This iron-hulled sailing vessel, which went down after a collision in 1888, now lies at 50 metres, making it one for experienced wreck divers comfortable with deeper profiles. The sheer size of her, 70 metres long, gives you plenty to explore, with much of the structure still intact. We’ve found conger eels tucked into the deeper recesses and often spot schools of pollock darting through the broken decks, a real sign of how the ocean has reclaimed her. It’s a proper dive, dark and often a bit silty, but rewarding for those who appreciate maritime history and the hardy life that thrives on these deeper wrecks.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.316166, -1.498617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Wight-Barfleur Reef

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 SMYRNA

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 SMYRNA

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 are the typical depths and types of dive sites found when scuba diving in New Smyrna Beach?
The provided data is for the dive site SMYRNA, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not New Smyrna Beach. For the SMYRNA wreck, divers can expect a depth of 50m. This site is specifically a wreck dive, offering exploration of a historical vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater structures can divers expect to see at New Smyrna Beach dive sites?
The available data describes the SMYRNA wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not New Smyrna Beach. At this specific site, divers will explore the impressive structure of an iron sailing vessel, measuring 70.8m x 11.7m, built in 1876 and sunk in 1888. There is no specific information regarding marine life provided for this site.
What is the difficulty level for diving in New Smyrna Beach, and is it suitable for beginners?
The provided data pertains to the SMYRNA wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not New Smyrna Beach. The difficulty level for diving the SMYRNA wreck is classified as intermediate. Therefore, due to its depth and classification, it is not typically suitable for beginners.
When is the best time of year to go diving in New Smyrna Beach for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data is for the SMYRNA dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, and does not contain information about optimal diving seasons, conditions, or marine life encounters for either SMYRNA or New Smyrna Beach. For general guidance on diving seasons, you might consult our "When to Dive" section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for exploring the dive sites around New Smyrna Beach?
The provided data is for the SMYRNA dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, and does not specify required or recommended diving certifications for this site or New Smyrna Beach. Given the intermediate difficulty and 50m depth of the SMYRNA wreck, advanced certifications would typically be recommended for such a dive to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical water temperatures, currents, and visibility conditions divers can expect in New Smyrna Beach?
The provided data is for the SMYRNA dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, and does not include information on water temperatures, currents, or visibility conditions for either SMYRNA or New Smyrna Beach. These conditions can vary greatly by location and time of year, so local resources should be consulted for specific details.