VESUVIUS - Cornwall & Devon

The Vesuvius, a torpedo gunboat from the late 1800s, sits upright on the seabed at 48 metres. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart, it’s proper advanced territory, but for those with the skills, it’s a truly rewarding visit. We love the way she’s largely intact, still showing the lines of her design even after a century underwater. Descending through the typical Cornish green, the wreck slowly materialises, a dark shape against the gloom, often with huge bib and pollack darting in and out of her structure. Our favourite spot has to be the bow, still pointing resolutely forward, cloaked in dead man's fingers and anemones. You can get a sense of her compact size as you fin along the deck, imagining the crew in such tight quarters. The visibility here can be challenging, but on a good day, with a bit of sun filtering through, the colours of the encrusting life really pop. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into any dark crevice; they’re often quite bold here. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, otherwise the current can really whip over the wreck. It's a deep dive, so careful planning and gas management are key, but for wreck enthusiasts, the Vesuvius offers a compelling glimpse into naval history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.395634, -5.407150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Marine Protected Area: St Agnes

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 VESUVIUS

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 VESUVIUS

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 dive depths at the Vesuvius dive site (Baia Underwater Archaeological Park)?
The provided data describes the Vesuvius dive site as a wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, with a typical dive depth of 48m. Information regarding the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park is not available in the context provided.
What kind of ancient Roman ruins and marine life can divers expect to see when diving near Vesuvius in the Bay of Naples?
The Vesuvius wreck detailed in the data is a gunboat vessel, originally a torpedo vessel, built in 1874 and sunk in 1923 in Cornwall & Devon, UK. It is not an ancient Roman ruin, and the data does not specify marine life for this particular site or provide information about the Bay of Naples. For general marine life information, you can explore our marine life database.
How challenging is diving at the Vesuvius-area dive sites, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the Vesuvius dive site in Cornwall & Devon, UK, is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it may not be suitable for beginners without appropriate experience or advanced training. Divers should assess their skill level and certification before attempting this wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to go diving at the Vesuvius underwater archaeological park for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the Vesuvius wreck in Cornwall & Devon, UK, does not include information on the best time of year for diving or optimal conditions at an underwater archaeological park. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Vesuvius underwater ruins in Baia?
The provided data for the Vesuvius wreck in Cornwall & Devon, UK, does not specify required scuba diving certifications, nor does it contain information about underwater ruins in Baia. Given its intermediate difficulty and 48m depth, advanced certifications like PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent are typically recommended for such dives. Always consult with local dive centers for specific requirements.
What are the typical underwater currents, visibility, and unique volcanic conditions like at the Vesuvius dive sites?
The provided data for the Vesuvius dive site, a gunboat wreck in Cornwall & Devon, UK, does not include details on typical underwater currents, visibility, or unique volcanic conditions. This wreck is not associated with volcanic activity. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning their dive.