UNDERLEY - Cornwall & Devon

We love the Underley for a proper wreck dive, even if it’s a shallow one. This iron sailing vessel, sunk way back in 1871, lies broken but still recognisable, with parts of her hull and ribs creating a fantastic structure to explore. It’s not about finding intact cabins; it’s about the sheer scale and the way the sea has reclaimed her. We always find the bow section particularly compelling, jutting up from the seabed. Vis here can be classic UK style, a bit green with a good bit of particulate, but on a calm day, when the sun pierces through, the light plays beautifully across the ironwork. Expect to find plenty of crabs tucked into crevices, some surprisingly large lobsters peering out, and an abundance of wrasse darting through the skeletal remains. It’s a site that feels genuinely historical, a tangible link to Cornwall’s maritime past. Our favourite approach is to take our time, tracing the length of the wreck, imagining the cargo of cotton and gunpowder she carried. This is a dive for those who appreciate the ghost of a ship and the life it now supports, rather than a pristine reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.603367, -1.177832
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

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 UNDERLEY

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 UNDERLEY

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