Location: Plymouth, Devon, UK
Dates: [Insert Dates]
Weather: Overcast and windy throughout the week, with moderate seas. Visibility varied across dive sites but remained decent, considering the conditions. Water temperature averaged around 12-15°C.
Day 1: Scylla Wreck
Max Depth: 24m
Conditions: Slightly choppy surface, 6-10m visibility.
Dive Summary: HMS Scylla, a decommissioned Royal Navy frigate sunk as an artificial reef, was an exciting dive. We explored the large structure, moving through its open passageways and decks. The wreck is teeming with life, including anemones, nudibranchs, and schools of wrasse. A couple of large crabs were spotted around the engine room, and the vibrant colors of soft corals were visible throughout the wreck.
Day 1: James Eagan Layne Wreck
Max Depth: 22m
Conditions: Mild swell, 6-8m visibility.
Dive Summary: This iconic Liberty ship, torpedoed in WWII, offered an excellent historical dive. The wreck is broken in two, with large open holds and scattered remains of its structure. We penetrated the forward section, exploring the cargo holds and remnants of machinery. Marine life was prolific, with shoals of pouting, bib, and a large resident conger eel hiding inside one of the holds.
Day 2: The Periser Wreck
Max Depth: 30m
Conditions: Moderate swell, 5-7m visibility.
Dive Summary: The SS Periser, a WWII Belgian cargo ship, lies on its starboard side, with much of the wreckage scattered over a wide area. We focused on the bow section, where large boilers, winches, and parts of the deck machinery are still visible. The wreck is heavily encrusted with marine life, including anemones, sponges, and a variety of fish, such as pollock, wrasse, and cod. Large conger eels were spotted inside the wreck, making for a thrilling dive despite the limited visibility.
Day 3: Fairland Reef
Max Depth: 18m
Conditions: Moderate current, 5-8m visibility.
Dive Summary: Fairland Reef provided a fantastic reef dive with rugged rock formations and gullies. The reef was alive with sponges, hydroids, and sea squirts, making it a colorful underwater landscape. Marine life included shoals of pollock, wrasse, and a few curious seals that followed us around for part of the dive. The surge was moderate, but it didn’t hinder our exploration of this lively reef.
Day 3: Firestone Bay
Max Depth: 12m
Conditions: Calm with a slight surge, 6-8m visibility.
Dive Summary: Firestone Bay, an accessible shore dive, was a great way to end the week. The area is known for its seagrass beds and rocky habitats. We encountered juvenile fish, starfish, and various crabs. The sheltered conditions made for a peaceful final dive, with plenty of time to admire the smaller critters often missed on deeper dives.
Day 4: Rosehill Wreck
Max Depth: 30m
Conditions: Choppy seas, 4-6m visibility.
Dive Summary: The SS Rosehill, another WWII casualty, rests in deeper water but remains a popular dive. The wreck is broken but still impressive, with large boilers and propeller parts visible. Conger eels were seen around the wreck, alongside plenty of crabs and lobsters. The low visibility made it a more challenging dive, but the wreck’s scale and historical significance made it worthwhile.
Day 4: Pier Cellars Reef
Max Depth: 15m
Conditions: Calm water, 8-10m visibility.
Dive Summary: A more relaxed reef dive, with calm conditions allowing for leisurely exploration. The site featured rocky outcrops covered in kelp and seaweed. Nudibranchs, small crabs, and wrasse were common sightings. The shallower depth made this a good, easy dive to wind down the week’s activities.
Day 5: Elk Wreck
Max Depth: 33m
Conditions: Moderate surge and current, 5-8m visibility.
Dive Summary: The Elk, a British Admiralty trawler, sits upright on the seabed. We explored the well-preserved structure, including the winches, bridge, and hull. Marine life was plentiful, with sightings of conger eels, lobsters, and shoals of pollock. The wreck’s intactness allowed for good penetration opportunities.
Overall Week Summary:
Despite the overcast skies and windy conditions, diving in Plymouth offered a fantastic mix of historical wrecks and vibrant reefs. Marine life was abundant across all sites, and the variety of wrecks provided a lot of exploration opportunities. The team handled the changing weather conditions well, and all dives were safely completed, making it a successful and enjoyable diving week in the southwest of England.
A big thank you to Indeep
