TOTNES CASTLE - Cornwall & Devon

The Totnes Castle is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to, not for any dramatic story, but for its quiet, dignified resting place. Sunk in '67 on its way to the breaker’s yard, it’s a big steamship, sitting upright in 39 metres of water, offering plenty to explore. We love finning over the deck, imagining its last journey, before dropping into the holds. Inside, light filters through gaps, illuminating the skeletal remains of its machinery. The wreck’s structure is home to a good number of bib and pollack, constantly darting in and out, and you’ll often spot a conger eel peeking from a dark corner. The stern, in particular, has some lovely soft corals draped over it, a real burst of colour in the ambient light. It’s a good dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and who appreciate the slow, methodical exploration of a vessel that’s become an artificial reef. Visibility here can be tricky, so pick a day with minimal swell for the best experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.256233, -3.980467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone

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 TOTNES CASTLE

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 TOTNES CASTLE

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