VASCO - Cornwall & Devon

The Vasco, a steamship that met its end in 1916, sits at 32 metres, making it a dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks. This 85-meter vessel, built in 1895, offers a substantial structure to explore, even if it is a bit broken up. We’ve found conger eels tucked into the collapsed sections, and often seen schools of bib flitting around the remaining ribs of the hull. It's a proper British wreck dive, generally with decent visibility for the area, and provides a good sense of history, albeit a sombre one.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.659233, 0.032917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 VASCO

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 VASCO

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 is the typical diving depth at Vasco dive sites?
The typical diving depth at the Vasco dive site is 32 meters. This makes it an exciting deep dive to explore the historic steamship wreck, which was sunk on November 16, 1916.
What kind of marine life and coral reefs can be seen when diving in Vasco?
While the provided data for the Vasco wreck does not specify particular marine life or coral reefs, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species. For general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
How difficult are the dive sites in Vasco, and are they suitable for beginners?
The Vasco dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to this classification and its depth of 32 meters, it is generally not suitable for beginners and is best enjoyed by more experienced divers.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Vasco?
The provided data for the Vasco dive site does not specify the best time of year for diving or typical water temperatures. We recommend checking local conditions and forecasts for the Cornwall & Devon region before planning your trip. For general guidance on dive planning, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Vasco?
Given the Vasco wreck's 32-meter depth and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or a Deep Diver specialty. Always confirm specific certification requirements with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.
What are the typical underwater visibility and current conditions like at Vasco dive sites?
The provided data for the Vasco dive site does not include information on typical underwater visibility or current conditions. We advise consulting local dive centers or recent dive reports for the Cornwall & Devon area to get the most up-to-date information before your dive.