TERLINGS - Cornwall & Devon

The Terlings, an 86-meter steamship sunk in 1940, lies upright at 38 meters, providing a solid, explorable wreck. Dropping down, you'll find her superstructure largely intact, offering swim-throughs into cargo holds that often shelter decent-sized pollack and conger eels. We’ve seen spider crabs clinging to the plates and nudibranchs grazing the settled growth. This isn't a colourful reef, but for divers who appreciate a well-preserved piece of maritime history and the hardy life that makes it home, it’s a rewarding dive, though conditions can vary.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.470947, -1.562533
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 TERLINGS

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 TERLINGS

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 diving depth at Terlings dive site?
The typical diving depth at the Terlings dive site is 38 meters. This depth makes it an exciting exploration for divers comfortable with deeper profiles.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Terlings?
At Terlings, divers can expect to explore the significant underwater features of a steam ship vessel, which was built in 1937 and sunk in 1940. This impressive non-dangerous wreck, measuring 86.6m x 13.4m, provides a fascinating structure to investigate. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks commonly serve as vibrant habitats for various local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Terlings, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Terlings is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a typical depth of 38 meters and being a wreck dive, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers. We recommend that divers have sufficient experience and appropriate certifications for deeper and more challenging conditions.
When is the best time of year or day to dive Terlings for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Terlings for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving in Cornwall & Devon, we recommend consulting local dive operators or our comprehensive When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Terlings?
While specific certification names are not explicitly stated, given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 38 meters, divers would typically need an advanced open water certification or a deep diver specialty to safely explore Terlings. Always ensure you are adequately trained and certified for the conditions you plan to dive.
What are the typical current patterns and surface conditions divers should be aware of at Terlings?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current patterns or surface conditions at the Terlings dive site. We strongly advise consulting with local dive centers or experienced guides in Cornwall & Devon immediately prior to your dive for the most current local conditions and safety briefings.