VOORWAARTS - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.297050, -2.195950
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 VOORWAARTS

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 VOORWAARTS

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