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wreck tour, slack tide, and wreck structure
Dive Spot Guide•
SS Orfordness
SS Orfordness is a deep wreck dive off Newquay.
Local operator required
A Newquay charter is the right fit for tide timing, shot placement, and offshore safety.
Offshore Newquay wreck dive that depends on slack tide and a calm sea state, best suited to experienced boat divers.
About SS Orfordness
SS Orfordness is a deep wreck dive off Newquay for experienced boat divers. The wreck sits offshore in exposed water, so timing the dive to slack tide matters more than casual access. When the sea is settled, it offers a classic wreck profile with boilers, broken structure, and plenty of fish life around the metal. It is best treated as a proper offshore dive rather than a sheltered training site.
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Research Estimate At SS Orfordness
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 10m
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralHeavily damaged
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityFew visitors
CurrentStrong current
SurgeModerate surge
Where Is SS Orfordness?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
SS Orfordness Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
32m - 40m
Depth Note
Low-water slack is around 32m; the wreck sits around 35-40m depending on tide state.
Best Season
Late spring through early autumn, with May often especially good before the summer bloom and winter storms.
Typical Conditions
Slack-water wreck dive in exposed north-coast seas; best when swell is down and the shot line is not being worked by tide.
Safety & Access At SS Orfordness
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Strong currentWaves
Safety Notes
Use a reliable slack-tide plan with an experienced skipper; groundswell can drag the shot line and make the descent less forgiving.
Access Restrictions
Boat-only access from Newquay; plan the dive around slack water and an experienced charter.
Legal Notes
Follow local charter, navigation, and wreck-diving guidance.
Local Intel For SS Orfordness
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Classic offshore wreck profile with boilers, broken sections, and marine growth on hard surfaces; best suited to experienced divers.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target because the wreck is deep and offshore.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site; the wreck sits well below the surface and needs scuba access.
Wildlife at SS Orfordness
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At SS Orfordness
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At SS Orfordness
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility10m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
