WAVERLEY - Cornwall & Devon

The Waverley, just off the coast near Salcombe, is a proper bit of history and a cracking shallow dive. It’s a steamship that went down way back in 1873, and we love how accessible it is, sitting upright in just 5 metres of water. We often hit it as a second dive, or when the weather's a bit frisky for deeper stuff. You’ll find her broken up, but still very recognisable as a ship, with parts of the hull and machinery well-defined. We particularly enjoy poking around the stern section; the prop shaft is still visible and often home to some chunky crabs and lobsters tucked into the nooks. It's not a huge wreck, but there’s enough structure to explore for a good 40 minutes, weaving between the ribs and plates. The light penetration is fantastic here, even on a cloudy day, which really brings out the colours of the anemones and dead man’s fingers that have colonised every surface. It’s a superb site for newer wreck divers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed potter with plenty to see without the pressure of depth or complex navigation.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.520668, -2.419667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 WAVERLEY

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 WAVERLEY

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