VERA (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Vera* wreck, lying around 44 metres, is a serious dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. We love this site because it’s not just a pile of metal; it’s a tangible piece of history, often with visibility that lets you appreciate her full length. You’ll find her resting upright, mostly intact, an impressive sight as you descend through the green Cornish water. The stern, in particular, is captivating with the rudder and propeller still in place, inviting exploration. Expect to see walls of dead man’s fingers coating the bulkheads and anemones clinging to every available surface. Schools of pollack dart through the deck openings, and we've often spotted conger eels peeking from beneath plates of steel. Our favourite tip for the *Vera* is to time your dive for slack water; currents here can be powerful, and you’ll want every minute to absorb the atmosphere of this historical steamship. It’s a dive that rewards careful planning and respect for its depth and conditions.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.389133, -1.969267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 VERA (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 VERA (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 is the maximum depth for diving at the Vera-K dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Vera-K dive site is 44 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for experienced divers.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at Vera-K?
Divers at Vera-K can explore the remains of a 55.7m x 7.6m steam ship vessel, built in 1873. Key features include its single boiler and compound expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often attract a variety of local species.
How challenging is the Vera-K dive site for different experience levels?
The Vera-K dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 44 meters, it is best suited for divers with advanced training and experience in deeper wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive Vera-K for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Vera-K for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Vera-K?
Given the intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 44 meters, divers typically need an advanced certification, such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, to safely dive Vera-K. Specialized wreck diving training is also highly recommended for exploring this steam ship vessel.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility at the Vera-K dive site?
The available data does not detail the typical water conditions, currents, or visibility for the Vera-K dive site. Divers should always check local dive reports and consult with dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for the most current information before planning their dive.