WREATHIER - Cornwall & Devon

The Wreathier is a proper dive, a deep one at 49 metres, so save it for when you’re comfortable with your deco skills. She was a steamship, built in '97, and met her end in 1917, a casualty of the Great War. What we love about her is the way she sits, largely intact, like a ghost ship on the seabed. You can still make out the twin boilers and that huge triple expansion engine, a real marvel of industrial engineering. It's a dark, atmospheric dive, often with a slight chill in the water even in summer, so a drysuit is a must. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, you get a solid 10-15 metres, enough to really appreciate the scale. We’ve seen conger eels the size of your arm snaking through the holds, and the odd inquisitive pollack will often shadow you. Keep an eye out for the vibrant jewel anemones that have colonised the deeper sections, their colours really pop against the muted steel. It's a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.178333, -3.828333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound & Eddystone

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 WREATHIER

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 WREATHIER

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 is the typical depth range for diving at WREATHIER, and are there any particularly deep or shallow areas to be aware of?
The WREATHIER wreck is found at a depth of 49 meters. Divers should be prepared for a deep dive, as this is the primary depth for exploring the steam ship vessel. There are no particularly shallow areas noted for this site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at WREATHIER?
Divers exploring WREATHIER can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a 61m x 9.5m steam ship vessel, built in 1897. Key underwater features include its two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 115 NHP, and a single shaft, all built by MACOLL & POLL. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks often attract a variety of local species.
How difficult is diving at WREATHIER, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at WREATHIER is classified as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its depth of 49 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with some experience and appropriate deep diving certifications, rather than beginners. Advanced divers will find it a rewarding exploration.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at WREATHIER for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Our current data for WREATHIER does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended to dive at WREATHIER?
Given the depth of 49 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess appropriate deep diving certifications to safely explore WREATHIER. While no specific certification is explicitly required, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification with a Deep Diver specialty is highly recommended.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at WREATHIER, and how do they affect diving?
Details regarding typical currents and specific water conditions at WREATHIER are not available in our current data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions before planning their dive.