WOODCOCK
Protected Area
Hele, Samson's and Combe Martin Bays
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) - WOODCOCK offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Woodcock, resting at 23 metres, is one of those wrecks that just hits different. It’s not just a collapsed hull; you get a real sense of its past as a motor vessel, even though she went down in '43. We often find ourselves drifting along the deck sections, imagining the crew, before dropping into the holds. Inside, the light filters down, illuminating the incredible growth. This wreck is just thick with life. Schools of pollack swirl around the mast, and you'll find conger eels tucked into every nook and cranny. We’ve had some truly mesmerising encounters here, spotting lumpsuckers clinging to the plating and nudibranchs grazing the soft corals. For us, the Woodcock is a perfect site for a relaxed single dive, giving you plenty of time to explore the structure and appreciate the marine residents. It’s a cracker for anyone who loves a wreck with a story, and enough ambient light to really soak it all in.
Typical WOODCOCK Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 23m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to WOODCOCK
Dive shops near WOODCOCK
View all dive centres in Cornwall & DevonReviews for WOODCOCK
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for WOODCOCK
WOODCOCK Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for WOODCOCK, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cornwall & DevonPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.
Search stays in Cornwall & DevonDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near WOODCOCK
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.