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