WESTVILLE - Cornwall & Devon

Westville is one of those deep wrecks that truly delivers if you’re a fan of big metal. Lying at 39 metres, she’s a serious dive, but the rewards are there. We love her imposing structure, a 102-metre steamship that went down on New Year's Eve, 1917. You can still make out the twin boilers and the triple-expansion engine, looming out of the gloom. Visibility here can swing wildly, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, the sheer scale of the ship is just incredible. Our favourite part has to be exploring the forward holds; they offer some fantastic swim-throughs, but they’re for experienced wreck divers only – no messing about. The decking is mostly gone, leaving you with these skeletal ribs draped in dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into every crevice, and the odd inquisitive pollock darting through the superstructure. It’s a proper historical dive, feeling every bit its age, and a fantastic challenge for those comfortable with deeper, darker conditions.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.565550, -1.531107
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 WESTVILLE

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 WESTVILLE

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 are the typical diving depths at WESTVILLE?
The Cornwall & Devon dive site of WESTVILLE features typical diving depths around 39 meters. This depth allows exploration of the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel. Built in 1913, this significant wreck sank on December 31, 1917.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at WESTVILLE?
At the WESTVILLE dive site, divers can primarily expect to explore the significant underwater features of a large steam ship vessel. This wreck, measuring 102.1m x 14.6m, provides a fascinating structure to investigate. While specific marine life is not detailed in the site information, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine life over time.
Is WESTVILLE suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more challenging dive site?
The WESTVILLE dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty, making it unsuitable for beginner divers. With depths reaching 39 meters and its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," this site requires divers to have appropriate experience and training.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at WESTVILLE for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the WESTVILLE dive site does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions. For up-to-date information on currents, visibility, and other factors, it is always best to consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon or refer to general when-to-dive resources for the region.
What certifications are required to dive at WESTVILLE?
Given the WESTVILLE dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 39 meters, divers will typically need certifications beyond basic Open Water, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver certification. Furthermore, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" strongly suggests that specialized wreck diving training or experience is highly recommended for safe exploration.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at WESTVILLE?
The provided data for the WESTVILLE dive site does not include specific information regarding typical currents or visibility conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date details on these environmental factors, it is advisable to consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.