WAPELLO - Cornwall & Devon

The *Wapello* is one of those wrecks that just keeps on giving. We’ve had some truly memorable dives here, often in conditions that initially looked a bit… gloomy. Dropping onto her at 27 metres, you quickly appreciate her scale. This tanker, built in 1912, lies broken but still recognisable, with parts of her huge hull rising off the seabed, creating overhangs and swim-throughs. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where you can often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plates. The boilers are massive, testament to her 505 horsepower engine, and they’re a magnet for various fish. Schools of bib and pollack shimmer in the gloom, and if you take it slow, you’ll spot crabs tucked into every crevice. We’d suggest focusing on the structure itself, tracing the outline of her collapsed deck, letting your eyes adjust to the soft light filtering through the green water. It’s a proper historical dive; you feel the weight of time down there. Be aware of the currents, they can pick up, so picking your slack water is key for a comfortable exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.531982, -1.048467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

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 WAPELLO

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 WAPELLO

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 and maximum depths for diving at Wapello's Cannonball Cave?
Information regarding typical and maximum depths specifically for Wapello's Cannonball Cave is not available in our current data. However, the main WAPELLO wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, is found at a depth of 27 meters. Divers exploring this site should be prepared for conditions at this depth.
What kind of underwater features and potential marine life can divers expect to see when diving at Wapello's Cannonball Cave?
Our current data does not provide specific details on underwater features or marine life within Wapello's Cannonball Cave. The WAPELLO wreck itself, a tanker vessel sunk in 1917, offers features like its three boilers and quadruple expansion engine for exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often attract various species, which can be explored further in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Wapello's Cannonball Cave, especially for less experienced divers?
Specific information on the diving challenge within Wapello's Cannonball Cave is not available in our records. However, diving the WAPELLO wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Less experienced divers should consider this classification and ensure they have appropriate training and experience for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Wapello's Cannonball Cave for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our data does not contain specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at Wapello's Cannonball Cave. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, please consult our when to dive resources.
What specific scuba diving certifications are required to dive safely at Wapello's Cannonball Cave, given its cave environment and depths?
Information regarding specific scuba diving certifications required for Wapello's Cannonball Cave, particularly given its described cave environment, is not available in our current dataset. Divers should always ensure they possess the appropriate certifications and experience for any dive site, especially for wreck or overhead environments. For general equipment and safety guidelines, visit our equipment section.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like when diving inside and around Wapello's Cannonball Cave?
Our records do not provide details on typical current conditions or water visibility specifically inside and around Wapello's Cannonball Cave. Divers planning to explore the WAPELLO wreck should always check local conditions immediately prior to their dive for the most accurate information.