SOUTH AUSTRALIAN - Cornwall & Devon

Down in Cornwall, the *South Australian* offers a proper dive into maritime history, sitting upright at 39 metres. She’s a big girl, 61 metres of wooden hull on iron frames, a fascinating sight that tells a story of a bygone era. We love the way she’s mostly intact; you can really get a feel for her scale as you navigate around the decks, though penetration is definitely for those with the right training and gear. Shoals of bib often hang around the deeper parts, and conger eels are usually tucked into the various nooks and crannies. It’s a dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and cooler water, ideal for a good long bottom time on nitrox.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.213467, -4.602633
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

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 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN

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 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN

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 for scuba diving in South Australia, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
The provided data describes the "SOUTH AUSTRALIAN" wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which has a depth of 39m. Information on typical depths for the broader region of "South Australia" or options for shallow and deep dives beyond this specific wreck is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see in South Australian waters, especially unique species like leafy sea dragons or the giant cuttlefish migration?
The data specifies the "SOUTH AUSTRALIAN" dive site as a "sailing vessel wreck" built in 1868, measuring 61.3m x 11m, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. The context does not provide information on marine life, unique species like leafy sea dragons, giant cuttlefish, or other underwater attractions for this site or the broader region.
How challenging are the dive sites in South Australia, and are there suitable options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced divers?
The "SOUTH AUSTRALIAN" wreck site, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. The provided data does not offer information on other dive sites in the region or options suitable for beginner or advanced divers.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in South Australia, considering water temperature, visibility, and specific marine life events?
The provided data for the "SOUTH AUSTRALIAN" wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom does not include information regarding the best time of year to dive, water temperature, visibility, or specific marine life events. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required to dive in South Australia, and are there any specific requirements for advanced or specialty dives like cave diving?
The provided context for the "SOUTH AUSTRALIAN" wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom does not specify general certification requirements or any specific prerequisites for advanced or specialty dives. Divers should always ensure they meet the necessary certification levels for intermediate wreck diving.
What are the common water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving in South Australia, and what exposure protection is recommended?
The data for the "SOUTH AUSTRALIAN" wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom does not include details on common water conditions, currents, visibility, or recommended exposure protection. Divers planning to explore this 39m deep wreck should prepare for typical conditions found in the region.