VAV
Protected Area
Lizard Point
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - VAV offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The VAV, a steamship sunk by a German submarine in 1917, lies off The Lizard, a solemn reminder of wartime history. At 71.6m long, she’s a substantial wreck, resting at 50m, making her a dive for experienced deep divers. We find her largely intact, her superstructure creating interesting swim-throughs and shelter for conger eels and squat lobsters that pepper the metalwork. The visibility here can be challenging, but on a good day, the VAV offers a genuinely atmospheric wreck dive, with plenty to explore for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-preserved piece of maritime past.
Typical VAV Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to VAV
Dive shops near VAV
Porthkerris Divers
DiveUK
Seaways Diving
Karleyth Diving Ltd.
Wavecrest Scuba
Reviews for VAV
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for VAV
VAV Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for VAV, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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