VALDES - Cornwall & Devon

The Valdes isn't just a hunk of metal on the seabed, it's a deep dive into history. Torpedoed in 1917, she lies broken but largely intact at 49 metres, a serious dive for experienced wreck heads. We love her bow section, where the torpedo impact is still brutally evident, a stark reminder of the Great War at sea. Penetration is possible for trained divers into the stern, where you can still pick out machinery and the vast hold spaces. The wreck itself is a magnet for life. We’ve seen conger eels the size of small trees poking out from tight crevices, and often, the whole structure shimmers with schools of pollack and bib. Look for jewel anemones painting splashes of colour on the bulkheads, particularly around the more sheltered areas. Be prepared for strong currents here, it’s a site best dived on slack water, and visibility can be variable. Our advice? Go with a local charter who knows the tides intimately. It's a challenging dive, but the Valdes offers a profound connection to the past, wrapped in a thriving artificial reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.392260, -2.467974
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 VALDES

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 VALDES

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Valdes Peninsula dive sites?
For the specific VALDES wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, the diving depth is 49 meters. Information regarding typical diving depths for other dive sites within a broader "Valdes Peninsula" is not available in our current data.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in Valdes Peninsula?
Our current data for the VALDES wreck site does not specify the marine life divers can expect to encounter. This site is primarily known as a merchant vessel wreck sunk in 1917. For general information on marine life in the region, you might explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving in Valdes Peninsula, and are there options for beginner divers?
The VALDES wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 49 meters and classification as a dangerous wreck, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for this type of dive.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Valdes Peninsula for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings at the VALDES wreck, or a broader "Valdes Peninsula," is not available in our current dataset. You may find general information on seasonal diving conditions on our when to dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Valdes Peninsula, especially for interacting with sea lions or exploring wrecks?
To explore the VALDES wreck, an intermediate dive at 49 meters, divers would typically require advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and potentially a Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialty. Our data does not include information about interacting with sea lions at this specific site. Always ensure you have the appropriate equipment and training for wreck diving.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like for diving in Valdes Peninsula?
Our current data for the VALDES wreck site does not provide specific details on typical underwater currents or visibility conditions. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date site conditions before planning a dive. This is crucial for safety, especially when diving a dangerous wreck.