

Best for intermediate divers, 10-25m, boat entry, strong current.
Orestone Rock is a marine site located 800 metres off the coast of Torquay and South Devon. This site features a combination of reef, drift, and cave topography with depths ranging from 10 to 25 metres. Divers should expect strong currents, making it essential to plan dives around slack water. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. Due to the overhead environment and current, this site is suitable for intermediate divers. A boat is required for access, and divers should carry a surface marker buoy to account for drift and boat traffic. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, catsharks, lobsters, and various nudibranchs.
50.45717, -3.47133
Plan your dive around slack water, as the current at Orestone Rock can make the site unmanageable outside that window. Carry a surface marker buoy and deploy it early on ascent, since boat traffic and drift can pull you away from your pick-up point quickly.
Shag Rock is best accessed by boat, or by a twenty-minute surface swim from Meadfoot Beach.
Recorded at this site
Depth
10-25m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
10-17°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Species recorded around this area include wrasses, catsharks, common lobsters, squat lobsters, and various nudibranchs such as the orange-clubbed nudibranch.
No, this site is intended for intermediate divers due to the strong currents, overhead cave environments, and the requirement for precise buoyancy control.
The site depths range from 10 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres.
Orestone Rock is a boat-only dive site located 800 metres from the shore.
Snorkelling is not recommended due to the depth, strong currents, and the nature of the cave and drift diving environment.
Diving at Orestone Rock in Torquay requires the following certifications: Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Orestone Rock in Torquay. Water temperatures range from 10°C to 17°C.
Orestone Rock in Torquay can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Orestone Rock in Torquay typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.