WESTERGATE (PROBABLY)

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

East of Start Point

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) - WESTERGATE (PROBABLY) 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 56m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The *Westergate* is one of those wrecks that just screams "history" the moment you descend onto it. We love the way the iron plates, built back in 1881, have become this incredible canvas for life at 56 metres. You’ll find her resting on the seabed, largely intact, with her two boilers and the compound expansion engine still very much evident, dominating the midship section. Exploring the *Westergate* feels like stepping back into a different era of shipping. The scale of her 79-metre length is impressive in the gloom, and you can spend a good chunk of your bottom time just appreciating the sheer engineering of it all. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration here to really get into some of the more enclosed areas safely, though penetration isn't extensive. Look for the massive conger eels that have made homes in the deeper recesses and the clouds of jewel anemones painting the darker corners. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the atmosphere of a deep, historical wreck over vibrant coral. Expect cold water, naturally, but the visibility can be surprisingly good on a calm day, giving the wreck an eerie, almost cathedral-like feel.