EAST CORNWALL DIVERS

REEF DIVING

Hand Deeps

Hand Deeps is an area of rock pinnacles which rise from 55m to come within approximately 12m of the surface. They are situated approx. 8.5miles from Penlee Point. In some areas the drop offs are absolutely sheer, and there is an amazing array of corals and sponges. Crawfish, lobster, and crabs are abundant in this area. It is important to note that this area is effected by strong currents so care must be taken! Hand Deeps can be reach by RIB in about 35-40 minutes.

The Eddystone

The Eddystone Reef is 9 miles from Penlee Point. It can easily be reached by RIB in about 40 minutes. There are strong currents in this area, so it is important to dive on neap tides. The depth goes from a few metres by the light house down to about 40m. There is a fantastic array of dead mens’ fingers as well as many sponges, fan corals and gorgonia. The water is normally exceptionally clear. Visibility of 20m plus is not uncommon. The Eddystone reef is easily found as it is marked by the Eddystone Lighthouse, which on a clear day can be seen from the shore.

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Owen Rock

A sheer walled pinnacle that starts at 30M and goes down to 46M. Visibility here is usually very good. I have personally had 25M vis. The wall is rich in marine life.   The Wreck of the Orchis lies 200M away to the south west in 44M of water 50 16.778N 004 34.619W.

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Sand Lake

The Sand Lake is a dive site that was discovered by East Cornwall Divers. It is located to the south of Looe island.The Sand Lake is a reef which surrounds a sandy bottom at about 37m. The reef rises about 7m above the lake, and then drops straight down into it. The reef is covered in Fan corals, and Sponges.

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The Ranneys

The Ranneys is a reef which extends from the south of Looe island. Care should be taken as the tide here do tend to run, unless you hit it right. A good few boats have hit the rocks over the years, so it is worth a dive. It is also worth bearing this fact in mind, as it would be easy to become a victim of the reef yourself! The reef is very scenic, it starts close to the island in about 7m of water, and extends down to about 25m.

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Tinker Shoal

Located just off the South East end of the breakwater. . The seabed is fairly rocky with large kelp growths, making it the home to lots of sea life. This is a great place to put newly qualified divers down on their own, being relatively safe and having plenty to see. There is a lot of treasure here in terms of objects that must have been cast out of the ships that have past through these waters to Plymouth over the years.

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Mewstone Ledges

Mewstone Ledges area generally has good visibility as the whole area is predominantly rock based. Around the 20-25m mark there are some lovely deep gullies full of Urchins. The area supports a variety of marine life including Dogfish, Pollock, Spider crab and Lobster. During spring tides you can often get a strong drift in this area as well.

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Pier Cellars

Pier Cellars starts from the steps leading down to the water from underneath the old Customs House which has been newly renovated. The site is ideal for Ocean Divers and is extremely sheltered from winds SSW to NNW. There is a lot of kelp growth and other plant life you would expect in the relative shallows, along with a range of interesting marine life, including Cuttle fish.

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East Rutts