TANDIL (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Tandil*, a steamship resting at 55 meters, offers a proper deep wreck dive off the Cornish coast. Built in 1900, she went down in 1917, and her substantial 98.8-meter length means there's plenty to explore, even if the visibility keeps things mysterious. We often find conger eels tucked into her structure, and the twin boilers are always a good landmark to orient yourself. This is a dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles and the generally chillier, darker conditions of the UK.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.309685, -2.991383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 TANDIL (PROBABLY)

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 TANDIL (PROBABLY)

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 maximum depth for scuba diving in Tandil?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at the Tandil dive site is 55 meters. This makes it a deep dive suitable for experienced divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see at the Tandil dive site?
Divers visiting the Tandil dive site can expect to explore a fascinating steam ship wreck. This vessel, built in 1900 and sunk on March 12, 1917, measures 98.8m x 14.4m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract a variety of local species over time.
How challenging is diving in Tandil, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at the Tandil dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 55 meters and intermediate rating, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or specific months to go scuba diving in Tandil for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or specific months for optimal diving conditions at the Tandil dive site. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Tandil?
Given the maximum depth of 55 meters and an intermediate difficulty rating, divers will typically need advanced certifications such as a Deep Diver specialty and potentially a Wreck Diver specialty to safely explore the Tandil wreck. It is always recommended to dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the typical underwater visibility and current conditions like at the Tandil quarry dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical underwater visibility or current conditions at the Tandil wreck site. Please note that Tandil is identified as a wreck, not a quarry dive site. For up-to-date local conditions, it's best to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon.