WARILDA - Cornwall & Devon

The Warilda is one of those wrecks that just grabs you. Down at 42 metres, it’s a deep dive and often dark, but when the conditions are good, the sheer scale of this hospital ship is incredible. She’s over 125 metres long, broken into three main sections after being torpedoed in 1918. We love dropping onto the stern, where you can often find conger eels peering from the deeper recesses. The Warilda is a serious historical dive; you’re looking at a piece of wartime history, a ship carrying wounded soldiers home. Visibility can be a real mixed bag here, sometimes only a few metres, other times 15 or more. When it’s clear, you can really appreciate the twisted metalwork, now heavily encrusted with plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look out for huge shoals of pollack hanging above the main structure, their silver scales glinting in what little light penetrates this deep. It’s a dive for experienced wreck lovers, comfortable with depth and potentially challenging conditions. Our advice? Pick your day carefully, ideally with a slack tide window, and bring a good torch; there’s a lot to explore.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.300667, -0.301500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Brighton

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 WARILDA

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 WARILDA

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 is the typical depth range for diving at the WARILDA dive site?
The WARILDA dive site is a deep wreck, with a typical depth of 42 meters. This makes it suitable for divers comfortable with deeper profiles and advanced training. You can find more details about this site at WARILDA.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at WARILDA?
The WARILDA is a fascinating wreck dive, a hospital ship vessel sunk in 1918. Divers can explore the impressive remains of this significant 125.6m x 17.4m ship. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is diving at WARILDA, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at the WARILDA is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 42 meters and classification as a dangerous wreck, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for such challenging conditions.
What are the best times of year or seasons to dive at WARILDA for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or seasons for optimal diving conditions at the WARILDA. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at WARILDA?
Given the WARILDA's depth of 42 meters and its classification as an intermediate and dangerous wreck, divers should possess advanced certifications such as Deep Diver or equivalent. Significant experience with wreck diving and deeper profiles is highly recommended to safely explore this site. You can learn more about certifications at DivePlnr's equipment and training section.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the WARILDA dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current conditions or visibility at the WARILDA dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date reports on these conditions. Always prioritize safety and local expertise when diving challenging sites.