WYTHBURN - Cornwall & Devon

The Wythburn wreck is one of those dives that feels like stepping into a time capsule. This steamship went down in 1940, likely by a mine, and she now rests upright at a shallow 9 metres. It’s a great choice for newer wreck divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed exploration without deep decompression obligations. When you drop down, the first thing you notice is how intact she still feels, even after all these years. Her bow points west, with the stern facing east, a clear silhouette against the seabed. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, creating these shafts of light that dance around the rusted metal. Shoals of bib and pouting hang in the shadows, darting in and out of the plating, while conger eels peer out from behind collapsed sections. We always take our time here, circling the hull, peeking into what would have been cargo holds. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, often lemon doris, clinging to the encrusting sponges that have colonised every surface. It’s a gentle dive, generally with mild currents, making it perfect for lingering and appreciating the history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.376800, -3.253433
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Barry Island

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 WYTHBURN

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 WYTHBURN

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