Newquay
Newquay is a former fishing village on the Celtic Sea that is known for having over 30 shipwrecks under the waters off its shore.
Explore Cornwall
Set in the southwest of England, Cornwall offers a unique diving experience thanks to its location between the Celtic Sea and the English Channel. The northern coastline, lapped by the Celtic Sea, presents a more rugged and exposed environment, perfect for those seeking adventure among its stunning beaches. In contrast, the southern coast, often referred to as the “Cornish Riviera," boasts calmer waters, making it ideal for divers of all skill levels, including families. Here, dramatic granite cliffs and tranquil bays set the stage for a diverse range of underwater explorations.
Diving in Cornwall is an experience defined by its variety and richness. From shallow shore dives perfect for beginners to thrilling boat dives that explore local reefs and historic wrecks, there is something for everyone. Advanced divers can venture into deeper waters to discover fascinating wrecks, remnants of maritime history. With popular diving bases in coastal towns like Newquay, Falmouth, and Penzance, divers can easily access some of the region’s best sites. During the summer months, Cornwall's waters become a vibrant playground, teeming with marine life, including seals, basking sharks, and a myriad of fish species, offering unforgettable encounters beneath the waves.
For those planning a summer dive holiday in Cornwall, early accommodation bookings are recommended, as this seaside county is a favorite among families. Whether you're diving among the bustling marine life or exploring the eerie silence of a shipwreck, Cornwall promises an engaging and memorable diving adventure.
Top Regions to Explore
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Diving in Cornwall
Cornwall offers a diverse range of dive sites, making it a haven for both beginner and experienced divers. Notable wreck dives include the "HMS Scylla," a sunken naval frigate, providing an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The "James Eagan Layne," another popular wreck, offers a fascinating structural exploration in relatively shallow waters, suitable for divers of varying skill levels.
For those who prefer shore diving, sites like "Porthkerris" offer easy access to abundant marine life, including colorful anemones and playful seals. Unique experiences such as night dives reveal nocturnal behaviors of fish and crustaceans, adding an adventurous element. While Cornwall's dive sites primarily support shore diving, liveaboard options are available for those seeking more remote and extended dive adventures along the scenic coastline.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Cornwall
Cornwall is home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a fascinating destination for divers. The region's coastal waters are teeming with typical reef fish such as wrasse, pollock, and sea bass. These species are commonly found around the rocky outcrops and reefs that dot the coastline. In addition, the vivid colors of the cuckoo wrasse and the curious nature of the ballan wrasse offer divers a delightful underwater experience. Seasonal highlights include sightings of basking sharks, particularly between May and September, when these gentle giants are often seen feeding near the surface. Loggerhead turtles and common dolphins may also make appearances, especially in the warmer months. Rays, including the common stingray and the lesser-spotted catshark, can be spotted year-round but are more prevalent in the summer. These seasonal visitors add excitement to Cornwall's already rich marine ecosystem, making each dive a unique adventure.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
565 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
11
A
24
M
39
J
63
J
165
A
121
S
78
O
46
N
13
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
104 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
6
M
8
J
17
J
44
A
14
S
6
O
9
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
776 Sightings
J
6
F
10
M
26
A
48
M
84
J
106
J
205
A
145
S
80
O
32
N
31
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 55
Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster
163 Sightings
J
2
F
6
M
3
A
7
M
17
J
11
J
44
A
39
S
19
O
7
N
7
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 30
Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel
143 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
1
A
1
M
14
J
2
J
68
A
38
S
17
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
115 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
3
M
0
J
1
J
30
A
49
S
22
O
4
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 19
Alamy-Alex Mustard
Seal
90 Sightings
J
0
F
9
M
0
A
10
M
6
J
2
J
23
A
20
S
0
O
9
N
10
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 2
Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Pollock
78 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
3
J
1
J
53
A
0
S
10
O
10
N
0
D
0
k
Blue Jellyfish
74 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
32
J
34
A
7
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-_italo
Moon Jellyfish
48 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
1
J
42
A
3
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish
39 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
7
J
10
J
10
A
0
S
6
O
0
N
4
D
0
The best Months to dive in Cornwall
Diving in Cornwall is possible year-round, but conditions vary across seasons. In summer, water temperatures range from 14°C–18°C/57°F–64°F, offering pleasant diving conditions. Winter waters can drop to 8°C/46°F, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Visibility is typically better in late spring and early autumn, often reaching 10 meters/33 feet.
Weather factors such as wind and currents significantly affect diving conditions. The southwest coast is more exposed to Atlantic swells, making it crucial to check forecasts. Summer sees calmer seas, while autumn and winter can bring stormier conditions, impacting dive plans. Despite these challenges, with proper planning, Cornwall offers rewarding diving experiences throughout the year.
