VALDES (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Valdes (probably) off the Cornish coast is a proper dive, a deep wreck for those who love their history with a bit of a challenge. Dropping onto her deck at 50 metres, you hit an environment that feels properly remote, even though it’s just a boat ride out from shore. We love the way the light filters down, making the massive boilers loom out of the gloom. It’s a substantial wreck, 80 metres long, with plenty to explore if you’re comfortable with the depth and the often chilly water. You'll spend your bottom time tracing the hull, poking around the engine room, and imagining her final moments. Conger eels are always a feature here, often tucked into the darker corners, and the structure itself is draped in anemones and dead man’s fingers, which glow under a torch. The sheer scale is what makes the Valdes special; it’s a proper ship, not just a pile of debris. This is one for experienced divers, comfortable with deeper air and potentially strong currents, but the reward is a truly immersive piece of maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.394950, -2.406717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

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 (PROBABLY)

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 (PROBABLY)

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 Peninsula Valdés, and do they vary by dive site?
For the specific wreck site known as VALDES (PROBABLY) in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, the diving depth is 50m. Our current data context is limited to this particular wreck, so we cannot provide information on typical depths or variations across a broader 'Peninsula Valdés' region.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Peninsula Valdés?
When diving the VALDES (PROBABLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, divers can explore a fascinating steam ship vessel, built in 1914 and sunk on February 17, 1917. This non-dangerous wreck measures 80.8m by 12.2m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. Specific details on marine life sightings for this particular site are not available in our current data.
How challenging is diving in Peninsula Valdés, and are there options for beginner divers?
Diving the VALDES (PROBABLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 50m, this site is generally not suitable for beginner divers. Information regarding options for beginner divers in a broader 'Peninsula Valdés' region is not available in the provided context.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Peninsula Valdés for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our current data for the VALDES (PROBABLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon does not include details on the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Peninsula Valdés, especially for specific experiences like diving with sea lions or wrecks?
To dive the VALDES (PROBABLY) wreck, an intermediate dive at 50m in Cornwall & Devon, divers would typically require advanced certifications, such as a Deep Diver or equivalent, to safely manage the depth. Our current data context does not provide information on specific certifications required for diving with sea lions or other marine life in a broader 'Peninsula Valdés' region.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for scuba diving around Peninsula Valdés?
Our current data for the VALDES (PROBABLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon does not include specific details on typical water conditions, currents, or visibility. Divers planning to explore this 50m deep intermediate wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date environmental information.