STANWOLD - Cornwall & Devon

The Stanwold, a steamship that went down in 1941, rests at a maximum depth of 34 metres off the Cornwall and Devon coast. What’s left of her 64-metre length offers a good rummage for those comfortable with deeper wrecks. We like to follow the line down to her twin boilers, which are still quite prominent, and then nose around the triple expansion engine. Expect to find conger eels tucked into the darker crevices and plenty of bib flitting through the beams. It's a solid dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts looking for a bit of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.633934, -0.335417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

Marine Protected Area: Kingmere

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 STANWOLD

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 STANWOLD

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 maximum depth for diving at the STANWOLD dive site?
The typical maximum depth for diving at the STANWOLD dive site is 34 meters. This makes it a moderately deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience for such depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at STANWOLD?
Divers visiting STANWOLD can expect to explore a fascinating underwater feature-a 64m x 10.1m steam ship vessel. This historic wreck, sunk on February 27, 1941, still features two boilers and a triple expansion engine, offering an intriguing dive experience. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is diving at STANWOLD, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at STANWOLD is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and its depth of 34 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications for wreck diving and deeper depths.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at STANWOLD for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season to dive at STANWOLD for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on dive seasons in the United Kingdom, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at STANWOLD?
Given that STANWOLD is an intermediate difficulty dive to a depth of 34 meters and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," specific certifications for wreck diving and deep diving are highly recommended. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate training and experience to safely explore this site.
What are the usual current conditions and water visibility like at the STANWOLD dive site?
The provided data does not include information on the usual current conditions or water visibility at the STANWOLD dive site. For more details on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, local dive operators are often the best source for up-to-date conditions.