ZAANSTROOM - Cornwall & Devon

The *Zaanstroom* is one of our favourite Cornwall wrecks, a classic steamship that went down in 1911 and has settled beautifully into the seabed. At 28 metres, it’s a dive for those comfortable with deeper sites and a bit of current, which can sometimes sweep through here. What we love about her is how intact she remains; you can clearly pick out the bow, stern, and the midships where the twin boilers still stand proud. Swimming over the deck, you’ll often spot dogfish tucked into crevices and schools of pollack circling the superstructure. The engine room is a highlight, and with good visibility, you can really appreciate the scale of the triple-expansion engine. Bring a torch, even on sunny days, to really light up the jewel anemones that cling to every surface, especially inside the darker sections. We usually plan this as a longer dive, if conditions allow, to properly explore the cargo holds, which are now home to conger eels and edible crabs. It’s a proper historical dive, a real window into early 20th-century shipping, and a site that always delivers.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.652367, -0.616183
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Kingmere

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 ZAANSTROOM

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 ZAANSTROOM

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 is the maximum depth divers can expect at the Zaanstroom wreck dive site?
Divers exploring the Zaanstroom wreck can expect a maximum depth of 28 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training and experience in deeper wreck environments.
What kind of marine life and specific wreck features are visible when diving the Zaanstroom?
The Zaanstroom is a steam ship vessel, built in 1895, offering fascinating wreck features for divers. Key visible components include its two boilers and the triple expansion engine of 108HP. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
What is the recommended diver skill level or difficulty rating for the Zaanstroom wreck?
The Zaanstroom wreck is classified with an intermediate difficulty rating. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond basic open water certification, particularly with wreck diving or deeper dives, to safely and enjoyably explore this site.
What is the best time to dive the Zaanstroom wreck for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time to dive the Zaanstroom wreck for optimal visibility and conditions is not available in the current data. We recommend checking local dive reports or consulting our general When to Dive guide for tips on planning your trip to Cornwall & Devon.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive the Zaanstroom wreck?
While no explicit certification is listed, given the Zaanstroom is an intermediate difficulty dive to 28 meters and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or a Wreck Diver specialty. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience for safe exploration of such a site. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for wreck diving.
What are the typical current conditions and expected visibility at the Zaanstroom dive site?
Details regarding typical current conditions and expected visibility at the Zaanstroom dive site are not provided in the current data. For the most up-to-date information on these dynamic factors, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.