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