TORMES (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Tormes, or what we strongly suspect is the Tormes, offers some fantastic wreck diving off the coast of Cornwall. Dropping onto her at 24 metres, you’ll immediately feel that sense of history. This old steamship, sunk way back in 1894, is thoroughly broken up now, but that just adds to her appeal. We love weaving through the scattered plates and twisted metal, imagining the life she had before coming to rest here. Our favourite parts are the two huge boilers, still standing proud and absolutely covered in plumose anemones, their frilly white tentacles waving in the mild current. You’ll find plenty of inquisitive ballan wrasse darting around, and if you look closely into the nooks and crannies, spider crabs often scuttle out of sight. It’s a proper rummage, a fascinating dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a bit of maritime history rather than just swimming over a pristine structure. Do check the tides though; even mild current here can make for a less comfortable dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.593933, -5.053067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: Castlemartin Coast

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 TORMES (POSSIBLY)

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 TORMES (POSSIBLY)

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