TORTONA - Cornwall & Devon

The TORTONA, for us, is a proper Cornish adventure. It’s a 10.7m sailing vessel that went down in ’81 after hitting something submerged. Now, 47 metres might sound deep for a small wreck, but that’s precisely its charm – it feels like a genuine discovery, not some well-trodden tourist spot. When you drop down, the visibility in this part of the world can be… moody. One day it’s 15 metres and bright, the next you’re feeling your way along. But that’s part of the fun, a proper UK wreck dive experience. The TORTONA sits upright, quite intact, and her small size means you get a real sense of the boat. Our favourite part is peeking into the small cabin; it’s dark in there, a real sense of being somewhere forgotten. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs clinging to the rigging and plenty of squat lobsters making homes in any crevice. It’s not a dive for beginners, that depth demands experience, but for those who love their wrecks atmospheric and a little bit challenging, the TORTONA is a beauty. We’d suggest going at slack water, obviously, but also look for a day with minimal swell – it makes the boat ride out and the descent much more enjoyable.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.317333, 0.031833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Brighton

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 TORTONA

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 TORTONA

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