Wreck of Amoco Cadiz - Cornwall & Devon

The Amoco Cadiz isn't just a wreck; it's a testament to the sea's power and a genuinely absorbing dive. This very large crude carrier split into three sections when it grounded in 1978, and the pieces are scattered across the seabed, making for some seriously interesting navigation. We love how the sheer scale of the wreckage is still apparent, even after all these years. You'll drop down onto vast steel plates, twisted girders, and machinery that has become a home for countless UK species. Think big conger eels lurking in shadowed compartments, schools of pollack darting through the superstructure, and an astonishing variety of anemones and corals colonising every available surface. It’s an intricate dive, best suited to experienced wreck divers comfortable with colder water and potentially strong currents, especially on a spring tide. Our favourite part is exploring the engine room remains – the way light filters through the gaps is genuinely atmospheric, a real sense of history down there. Visibility can be a challenge here, so we always recommend checking local reports before you head out. When it’s good, though, it’s truly superb.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
48.600000, -4.766667
Type
wreck

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 Wreck of Amoco Cadiz

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 Wreck of Amoco Cadiz

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