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