VOLKERAK - Cornwall & Devon

The Volkerak, just off the Cornwall coast, is one of those wrecks that just makes us smile. At only five metres deep, it’s a brilliant, relaxed dive. We love that you can spend ages just pottering around, really getting a feel for the ship without worrying about your bottom time or deco limits. The wreck itself is a 39.5-metre motor vessel, sunk back in 1951. You can still see a lot of its structure, which is impressive for something that's been down there so long. The engine room, right at the stern, is our favourite part. The machinery is still pretty much in place. You can swim through the openings and see the old engine components, all encrusted now. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the natural light filtering down just makes it magical. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for pollack and wrasse darting about. We’ve even seen small conger eels tucked away in the darker spots. It’s an ideal site for new wreck divers or photographers wanting to practice their close-up shots.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.590830, -1.323333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

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 VOLKERAK

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 VOLKERAK

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 diving depths and maximum depths encountered at the Volkerak dive site?
The Volkerak dive site offers a consistent diving depth of 5 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a historical wreck without extensive deep diving experience. You can learn more about this site at Volkerak.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Volkerak?
Divers at the Volkerak site can expect to explore the remains of a motor vessel wreck, measuring 39.5m x 7.5m. This historical vessel, sunk in 1951, provides an interesting underwater structure to investigate. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time.
How challenging is diving in Volkerak, and is it suitable for beginner or experienced divers?
Diving at the Volkerak site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic certification and are comfortable with wreck diving environments. Beginners might find it challenging, while experienced divers will appreciate its unique features.
What is the best time of year to dive Volkerak for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at the Volkerak dive site is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving in Volkerak?
Given the intermediate difficulty and its classification as a wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a specialty Wreck Diver certification is typically recommended for diving Volkerak. While the depth is shallow at 5 meters, the nature of wreck diving often benefits from additional training and experience.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at the Volkerak dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and water visibility at the Volkerak dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on site conditions.