Wreck of Kléber - Cornwall & Devon

The Kléber, a French cruiser sunk in 1917, is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving. For divers who love exploring a proper structure, not just a pile of rubble, this is a firm favourite in British waters. We think the bow section is particularly dramatic, sitting upright and often shrouded in green light, with the massive anchor chains still running out. Drop deeper along the hull and you’ll find plenty of open access points to peer inside, though penetration should only be attempted by experienced wreck divers on appropriate gas. What we really love about the Kléber is how nature has completely taken over. Giant plumose anemones smother the deck guns, waving gently in the current, and dogfish are almost guaranteed to be snoozing in the darker corners. The swim throughs are often packed with bib and pouting, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a conger eel peeking out from a pipe. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, but even on murkier days, the sheer scale of the wreck provides a compelling dive. Best done on slack water to really appreciate the structure.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
48.286945, -4.847222
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 Kléber

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 Kléber

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