VOORWAARTS

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Jersey Coast

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - VOORWAARTS offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 8m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Voorwaarts, a motor vessel that ran aground on Paternoster Reef back in 1950, is a fantastic shore dive if you time it right. We love the sheer accessibility – gear up in the car park, a short walk down, and you're in. The wreck itself lies in about 8 metres, well-broken up but still very much recognisable as a ship. You'll find yourself swimming through the remains of the hull, the ribs jutting out like skeletal fingers. What really makes it though, is the life that has taken over. Expect to see plenty of pollack darting through the structure, the occasional curious dogfish settled in a crevice, and the walls festooned with jewel anemones in brilliant oranges and reds. Our favourite is exploring the nooks for crabs and lobsters, especially around the more intact sections towards the bow. It’s a great site for newer divers looking to get some wreck experience without deep depths or strong currents, provided you stick to slack water. Visibility can drop if there’s a big swell, so check the forecast. Go on a calm day, close to high tide, and you’ll have a cracker of a dive.