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