YARMOUTH ROADS - Cornwall & Devon

Yarmouth Roads isn’t about huge pelagics or dizzying coral. This is a journey into history, plain and simple, and we absolutely love it for that. At a mere 5 metres, it’s ridiculously shallow, meaning even on a gloomy British day, light penetrates right to the seabed. You’ll be finning over what’s left of a mid-16th-century carrack, most likely a Mediterranean merchant vessel. Think about that for a second – a ship from the age of sail, trading between England and the Low Countries, now lying scattered on the sand. What you see today are the ghostly remains of carvel planking and iron fastenings, spread out like archaeological clues. It’s not a towering structure, more a low-profile scatter, but the context is immense. We’ve spent whole dives just trying to piece together the ship’s outline, imagining the cargo it once carried. Because it’s so shallow and protected, it’s a brilliant site for newer divers looking for something beyond a rocky reef, or for anyone who appreciates the sheer history of a place. Look closely amongst the timbers; small crabs scuttle, and we’ve spotted blennies peeking from crevices. Our top tip? Go on a calm day with good sun, then take your time. Let your imagination do the heavy lifting.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.709240, -1.494695
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Bouldnor and Hamstead Cliffs

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 YARMOUTH ROADS

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 YARMOUTH ROADS

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving in Yarmouth Roads?
The Yarmouth Roads dive site offers a shallow experience, with typical depths around 5 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking for a relatively shallow wreck dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Yarmouth Roads?
Divers at Yarmouth Roads can explore the fascinating remains of a 16th-century carrack, most likely a Mediterranean merchant vessel. This protected wreck, around 32 meters in length with carvel planking and iron fastenings, offers a unique historical underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed, the wreck structure provides an excellent habitat for local species.
How challenging is diving at Yarmouth Roads for different experience levels?
Diving at Yarmouth Roads is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certification to comfortably navigate the site. It's a suitable challenge for those looking to advance their wreck diving skills.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive Yarmouth Roads for optimal visibility and experience?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or tidal conditions for optimal visibility and experience at Yarmouth Roads. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in Yarmouth Roads?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Yarmouth Roads, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience for a safe and enjoyable wreck dive.
What are the typical current strengths and water conditions, including visibility and temperature, at the Yarmouth Roads dive site?
The available data for Yarmouth Roads does not specify typical current strengths, water visibility, or temperature. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.