VERZA - Cornwall & Devon

The Verza, a carrier that ran aground in fog back in '74, now sits in two metres of water, perfect for a shallow poke about. We've seen it on calmer days, and it’s a great spot for an easy shore dive, especially if you’re keen on photography or just want a long, relaxed snorkel. The wreck itself is pretty broken up, but there's enough structure left to make out parts of the hull. You'll often find a good number of wrasse darting in and out of the metalwork, and we've spotted some decent crabs tucked away too. It’s a solid pick for those looking for a laid-back dive rather than something deep or challenging.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.111120, -2.806383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 VERZA

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 VERZA

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 the Verzasca dive site?
The provided data for the VERZA dive site, located in Cornwall & Devon, indicates a typical diving depth of 2 meters. This site is classified as a wreck showing a portion of its hull or superstructure. However, we do not have specific data for a dive site named Verzasca.
What unique underwater scenery and aquatic life can be found when diving in the Verzasca River?
Our current data for the VERZA dive site describes it as a carrier vessel wreck, built in 1952 and sunk in 1974, with dimensions of 82.6m x 11.9m. This classification as a wreck suggests interesting structural features, but it does not provide details on specific aquatic life or unique underwater scenery. We do not have information regarding the Verzasca River.
How challenging is diving in the Verzasca River, and is it suitable for beginners?
Based on the available data for the VERZA dive site, the difficulty is classified as intermediate. This means it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners and typically requires some prior diving experience. We do not have specific difficulty ratings for the Verzasca River.
What is the best time of year to dive the Verzasca River for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the VERZA dive site does not include information on the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility. Therefore, we cannot advise on the best time to dive the Verzasca River based on this data. For general guidance on dive conditions, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in the Verzasca Valley?
While the VERZA dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, suggesting more than a basic Open Water certification might be beneficial, the specific certifications required or recommended are not detailed in our data. We do not have information specific to the Verzasca Valley. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate training for the conditions.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at the Verzasca dive site?
Our current data for the VERZA dive site, a wreck in Cornwall & Devon, does not specify typical water conditions, currents, or visibility. Therefore, we cannot provide details for the Verzasca dive site based on the provided information. Divers should always check local conditions before planning a dive.