VESUVIO (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Vesuvio*, or what we strongly suspect is the *Vesuvio*, is a dive we always enjoy coming back to. Dropping down onto her at 42 metres, you’re often greeted by schools of pouting darting through the superstructure. She’s a decent size, 74 metres long, and lies on her starboard side, largely intact, with her two boilers standing proud. We love picking through the debris field, imagining her final moments after striking a mine in 1916. The visibility here, particularly on a good day, can be surprisingly clear for the English Channel, giving you long sightlines down her deck. Look for conger eels tucked into the darker recesses and jewel anemones adding splashes of colour to the metalwork. This one’s definitely for experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth and variable conditions. Our top tip: go on a slack tide, otherwise the current can really rip.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.592730, -0.508817
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 VESUVIO (POSSIBLY)

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 VESUVIO (POSSIBLY)

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving in the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park, near Vesuvius?
The provided data context describes the VESUVIO wreck, a steam ship located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which rests at a depth of 42m. This information pertains to a wreck dive, classified as intermediate difficulty. However, the data does not contain any details regarding the typical depths for scuba diving in the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park near Vesuvius.
What ancient Roman ruins and marine life can divers expect to see at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park?
The provided data context details the VESUVIO wreck, a steam ship sunk in 1916 off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. This specific wreck is a non-dangerous wreck, measuring 74.1m x 10.1m. The given information does not include any details about ancient Roman ruins or specific marine life to expect at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park.
How challenging are the dives at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The provided data context specifies that the VESUVIO wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This particular wreck is a steam ship resting at 42m. However, the available data does not provide any information regarding the challenge level or suitability for beginner divers at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park.
What is the best time of year to dive the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data context describes the VESUVIO wreck, a dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, with a depth of 42m and an intermediate difficulty. The data does not offer any information about the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park. For general advice on dive planning, you might consult When to Dive resources.
What dive certifications are required to explore the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park, and can uncertified individuals try diving there?
The provided data context details the VESUVIO wreck, an intermediate difficulty dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. This specific information does not include any requirements for dive certifications or whether uncertified individuals can try diving at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park. The data is solely focused on the VESUVIO wreck.
What are the typical underwater conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park, and are there any unique volcanic features like fumaroles?
The provided data context describes the VESUVIO wreck, a steam ship sunk in 1916 off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. This wreck dive is at 42m and is of intermediate difficulty. The available data does not provide any information regarding typical underwater conditions, currents, visibility, or unique volcanic features like fumaroles at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park.