STANHOLME - Cornwall & Devon

The Stanholme, sunk on Christmas Day 1939, offers a solid dive for anyone keen on a proper steamship wreck off Cornwall. Lying at 19 metres, she’s well within recreational limits, and at 90 metres long, there's plenty of hull to explore. We’ve found her to be a good spot for lobsters tucked into nooks and crannies, and often see pollock hovering around the collapsed superstructure. The boilers are a highlight, still largely intact and a great focal point for photographers. It’s a rewarding dive, especially for those who appreciate the history behind the rust.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.343834, -3.628367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m

Marine Protected Area: Monknash Coast

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 STANHOLME

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 STANHOLME

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 the Stanhope wreck?
The Stanhope wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, has a typical depth of 19 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training and experience for intermediate-level dives.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the Stanhope dive site, including wreck features and marine life?
Divers exploring the Stanhope dive site can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 90.8m x 13.4m. Key features include its three boilers, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, offering fascinating structural exploration. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks often serve as vibrant artificial reefs.
How difficult is the Stanhope wreck dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Stanhope wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive and is noted as a dangerous wreck. Therefore, divers should possess a suitable level of experience and training, ideally including specialized wreck diving skills, to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive the Stanhope wreck for optimal visibility and conditions?
Our current data for the Stanhope wreck does not specify the best time of year or tidal conditions for optimal visibility. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on local conditions, it is always recommended to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the Stanhope wreck?
Given the Stanhope wreck is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a dangerous wreck, a minimum of an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended. Further specialized wreck diving certifications would also be extremely beneficial for safely navigating and exploring the vessel's structure.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions encountered at the Stanhope dive site?
Information regarding the usual current and visibility conditions encountered at the Stanhope dive site is not available in our current dataset. Divers should always check with local dive centers or experienced guides in Cornwall & Devon for real-time conditions before planning their dive.