ST KILDA - Cornwall & Devon

The St Kilda wreck, a former motor vessel that went down in 1961, rests at 36 metres. She’s a decent size at 37 metres long, and while the structure is well broken up now, the sheer scale of the debris field is impressive. We usually find conger eels tucked into the larger sections, and the metalwork attracts plenty of bib and pollack. It’s a site for divers comfortable with depth and navigating a scatter, offering a good glimpse into the working history of these waters.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.561783, -4.747900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Limestone Coast of South West Wales / Arfordir Calchfaen de Orllewin Cymru

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 ST KILDA

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 ST KILDA

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 diving depths at St Kilda?
The dive site St Kilda is a wreck dive with a typical depth of 36 meters. This makes it suitable for divers comfortable with deeper profiles and advanced training.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at St Kilda?
Divers visiting St Kilda can expect to explore the remains of a motor vessel, measuring 37.3m x 7m, which sank on November 25, 1961. As a wreck dive, the main underwater topography is the structure of the vessel itself, which often attracts various marine species over time. For more general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at St Kilda, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving at St Kilda is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its classification as a dangerous wreck, it is recommended for divers with prior experience in wreck diving and those comfortable with deeper profiles.
What is the best time of year to dive at St Kilda for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at St Kilda for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for St Kilda?
While specific certifications are not listed, given the 36-meter depth and intermediate difficulty of the St Kilda wreck, advanced open water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. Divers should also consider specialized wreck diving certifications due to its classification as a dangerous wreck.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like when diving St Kilda?
The available data for St Kilda does not include specific details on typical water conditions, currents, or visibility. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning their dive to this Cornwall & Devon site.