THE NEEDLES SITE
Protected Area
The Needles
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - THE NEEDLES SITE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
Diving the Needles site is a bit like stepping into a watery museum exhibit, albeit one that's a few centuries old. It’s shallow, only 5 metres, making it a good spot for a longer dive without the deep stops. Here, you're exploring the scattered remains of two 18th-century frigates, the Assurance and HMS Pomone. We're talking cannons, bits of timber from the Pomone's hull, and other scattered artefacts resting on the seabed. It’s less about a grand ship structure and more about tracing history amongst the barnacled metal and wood, with wrasse and blennies darting between the pieces. While not a coral reef, the historical finds offer a unique point of interest.
Typical THE NEEDLES SITE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to THE NEEDLES SITE
Dive shops near THE NEEDLES SITE
TAL Scuba Ltd.
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Divers Down
Dorset Diving Services
Andark Diving
In2 Diving
Reviews for THE NEEDLES SITE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for THE NEEDLES SITE
THE NEEDLES SITE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for THE NEEDLES SITE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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