VIGDA - Cornwall & Devon

The Vigda, an old steamship that went down in 1917, rests at 32 meters, providing a solid dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks in potentially low visibility. She’s largely broken up, but you can still make out the distinct form of her two boilers and the triple-expansion engine, usually swarming with tommy-ruffs and small wrasse. We’ve found conger eels tucked into the tighter sections, and the general structure offers plenty of nooks for exploring, assuming the current isn't too strong. This is a dive for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the history and marine life that comes with a century-old steel hulk.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.538300, -0.643350
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

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 VIGDA

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 VIGDA

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 VIGDA (In-Vinga) and what can be found at those depths?
The maximum depth for diving at VIGDA is 32m. At these depths, divers will encounter the impressive wreck of the VIGDA, a steam ship vessel that tragically sank on February 25, 1917. This substantial wreck measures 85.3m in length and 12.5m in width, featuring two boilers and a triple expansion engine.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at VIGDA (In-Vinga)?
Divers exploring VIGDA can expect to primarily encounter the significant underwater feature of the steam ship wreck itself. This vessel, built in 1900, provides a fascinating structure to explore at 32m depth. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various marine life over time.
How difficult is diving at VIGDA (In-Vinga) for different experience levels, especially considering the walls and wreck?
Diving at VIGDA is classified as intermediate difficulty. This rating is largely due to it being a wreck dive, specifically noted as a 'Dangerous wreck'. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for wreck diving to safely explore this historical steam ship vessel, which lies at a maximum depth of 32m.
What is the best time of year to dive at VIGDA (In-Vinga) for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at VIGDA for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, you might consult our When to Dive resource. Always check with local dive operators for current conditions before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at VIGDA (In-Vinga), particularly for the deeper sections or the wreck?
Given the maximum depth of 32m and its classification as a 'Dangerous wreck', divers should possess certifications appropriate for deep diving and wreck exploration. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification, along with a Wreck Diver Specialty, would be highly recommended. The intermediate difficulty rating for VIGDA also suggests a need for experience beyond entry-level certifications to safely navigate this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at VIGDA (In-Vinga)?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at VIGDA. As conditions can vary significantly, especially for wreck dives at 32m, divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for the most up-to-date reports on currents and visibility.