TORCELLO - Cornwall & Devon

Torcello isn't about deep exploration. This is a site for the leisurely diver, an underwater stroll rather than an expedition. We love it because it’s a brilliant example of how quickly nature reclaims things, even right on the coast. Lying in a mere four metres of water, this old yacht, sunk way back in 1955, is now practically a part of the seabed. You'll find her just off the shore, often with sunlight dappling through the water onto her remains. The hull is mostly gone, but the ribs and keel are still distinct, creating a skeletal structure that’s become a fantastic home for all sorts of critters. Look closely and you’ll spot blennies peeking from crevices, small crabs scuttling over the metal, and often schools of juvenile pollock darting through the framework. It’s a photographer’s delight on a calm, sunny day, especially with a wide-angle lens, capturing the wreck’s silhouette against the surface. Our top tip? Go at high slack tide; the water is clearest then, and you'll get the best visibility for picking out the details. Torcello is perfect for a relaxed dive, a second dive of the day, or even a snorkel on a really flat afternoon.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.789192, -0.385973
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

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 TORCELLO

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 TORCELLO

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