TORMES (POSSIBLY)

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Castlemartin Coast

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) - TORMES (POSSIBLY) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 24m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.