Wreck of Cattewater Wreck - Cornwall & Devon

The *Olive Leaf* is one of Scapa Flow's softer wrecks, and we love it for exactly that reason. She lies broken, her hull collapsed in sections, which lets the light filter down through the gaps even on a grey day. Dropping onto her deck, you’re immediately struck by the sheer volume of light-bulb sea squirts that coat every surface, glowing in the torch beam. You’ll find conger eels tucked into the dark recesses of the hold, and lumpsuckers clinging to the plating, often camouflaged so well you almost miss them. This isn’t a wreck for penetration, but for gentle exploration and photography. We'd suggest taking your time tracing the perimeter, letting your eyes adjust to the soft corals and anemones that thrive here. The visibility can be variable, but even with a bit of particulate, the *Olive Leaf* offers a wonderfully atmospheric dive, especially if you catch it when the sun is trying to break through the surface chop.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.361946, -4.128333
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Western King

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 Cattewater Wreck

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 Cattewater Wreck

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