SPEARFISH - Cornwall & Devon

The Spearfish, a converted side-trawler, sits upright at 56 metres after her unfortunate encounter with a drilling rig leg and subsequent scuttling by the Royal Navy. She’s a solid dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks off the Cornish coast. We’ve found her superstructure fairly intact, offering some decent swim-throughs, but watch the silt. Over the years, the wreck has become home to plenty of conger eels, darting ballan wrasse, and often a decent showing of jewel anemones clinging to the metalwork. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as is common in these waters, so picking your day carefully is key.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.377033, -0.927300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 SPEARFISH

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 SPEARFISH

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 Spearfish dive site?
The Spearfish dive site is a fascinating wreck dive located at a depth of 56 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Spearfish?
The primary underwater feature at Spearfish is the wreck of a Safety/Rescue Vessel, originally a side-trawler, which was sunk in 1983. Measuring 28.7m x 6.4m, this non-dangerous wreck provides an intriguing structure to explore. While specific marine life data isn't provided, wrecks commonly become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time.
How difficult is diving at Spearfish, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at the Spearfish site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 56 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. This dive requires advanced training and experience in deep diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Spearfish for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Spearfish for optimal conditions or marine encounters. Divers interested in seasonal conditions should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the Spearfish site?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the intermediate difficulty and the significant depth of 56 meters, divers would typically need advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, with specialized deep diving training. Always check with local dive centers for precise requirements before planning your dive at Spearfish.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Spearfish dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current or visibility conditions at the Spearfish dive site. For the most current conditions, it is always best to consult with local dive operators in the Cornwall & Devon area.