WAVERLEY

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - WAVERLEY offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.