WAIKAWA (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Waikawa, or what we believe is the Waikawa, presents a compelling deep dive off the Cornish coast. At 53 metres, this isn't one for the casual diver. She’s a big steamship, 128 metres long, a genuine behemoth lying on her side, and the sheer scale is what truly grabs you. Dropping down, the first thing that hits you is the silence, broken only by your own bubbles, then the gloom starts to resolve into the massive plates of her hull. We love tracing the length of her, imagining the noise and chaos when she went down in 1917. Penetrating the cargo holds is a real highlight here, though you need the right training and plenty of gas. The three boilers are largely intact, a powerful reminder of her propulsion, and the quadruple expansion engine is an impressive sight, colonised by thick growths of plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Visibility can vary wildly with the tides, but on a good day, the light filtering down into the holds creates an ethereal glow. The current can be strong, so planning your slack water window is crucial; otherwise, you’ll be working hard just to stay put. This wreck is for experienced technical divers who appreciate deep history and don’t mind a bit of a challenge.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.235800, -3.550400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 WAIKAWA (POSSIBLY)

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 WAIKAWA (POSSIBLY)

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 depths for diving at Waikawa and its surrounding dive sites in the Marlborough Sounds?
The provided data pertains to the dive site Waikawa, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Marlborough Sounds. This specific wreck dive reaches a depth of 53m. Information regarding typical depths for Waikawa or surrounding dive sites in the Marlborough Sounds is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Waikawa, Marlborough Sounds?
The Waikawa dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom is a fascinating steam ship wreck, sunk in 1917. Divers can explore its impressive dimensions of 128.4m x 16.8m, including three boilers and a quadruple expansion engine. The provided context does not include information about marine life at this site, nor for Waikawa in Marlborough Sounds.
How challenging are the dive sites around Waikawa, and are there options suitable for beginner divers?
The Waikawa wreck dive in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 53m, it is not typically suitable for beginner divers. Information regarding dive sites around Waikawa in Marlborough Sounds or specific beginner options is not available in the provided context.
What is the best time of year to dive in Waikawa, Marlborough Sounds, considering water temperature and visibility?
The provided data for the Waikawa wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom does not include details on water temperature, visibility, or the best time of year to dive. Therefore, specific recommendations for Waikawa in Marlborough Sounds cannot be made based on the given context. For general information on optimal diving conditions, you might consult when to dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in Waikawa, Marlborough Sounds?
For the Waikawa wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, classified as an intermediate dive to 53m, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, and a Deep Diver specialty would be beneficial for safely exploring this site. Information specific to Waikawa in Marlborough Sounds is not available in the provided context.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like for diving in Waikawa, and how do they affect dives?
The provided data for the Waikawa wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom does not include details on typical current conditions or water visibility. Therefore, we cannot provide specific insights into how these factors might affect dives at this site, nor for Waikawa in Marlborough Sounds. Divers should always check local conditions before planning a dive.