33m
    Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    West Dorset

    AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY)

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    West Dorset

    Why dive here

    With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded
    Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 33m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Alright, let’s talk about the *Ailsa Craig*. Or, as we usually call it, the *Ailsa Craig (Probably)*. Because that's the thing with these older wrecks in UK waters, sometimes the history is a little... murky. But who cares about the name when the diving is this good? We love this wreck for its sheer presence on the seabed. She sits upright, pretty much intact, resting at 33 metres. You’ll drop down and feel that structure emerge from the gloom, usually with that classic Cornish green tint. The *Ailsa Craig* is a proper steamship, torpedoed back in 1918. You can still make out the bow, which is often our favourite place to start. Swim along the deck, and you’ll see where the bridge once was. The hold is open, inviting you in, but check your experience and conditions first. The stern is also a highlight, with the rudder and propeller still in place, usually hosting some decent conger eels. Visibility can swing dramatically here, so pick a calm day with neap tides if you can. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, revealing more of its secrets each time. You'll find plenty of bib and pollack darting through the superstructure, and the encrusting life is quite something – dead man's fingers and anemones in abundance. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current occasionally.

    Typical AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY) Dive Profile

    15m30mSafety Stop0m33m max~20 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (33m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:2717:3011h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:45

    AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY) Wreck History

    Year Sunk

    1918

    Vessel Type

    cargo ship

    Cause

    torpedo

    Tonnage

    608 GRT

    The SS Ailsa Craig was a typical British coastal steamship built in 1906. A workhorse of her time, she spent her career transporting cargo around the British Isles, playing a vital role in the maritime commerce that was the lifeblood of the nation. Her service coincided with the First World War, a period of immense danger for merchant shipping due to Germany's campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare.

    On April 15, 1918, during the final year of the war, the Ailsa Craig's luck ran out. While on a passage from Cardiff, she was targeted by the German U-boat UB-80 in the English Channel. A single torpedo strike was enough to sink the small steamer, sending her to the seabed and adding her name to the long list of merchant vessels lost during the conflict.

    The wreck believed to be the Ailsa Craig now lies at a depth of 33 meters off the coast of Cornwall. For divers, it offers a poignant connection to WWI maritime history. While over a century on the seabed has taken its toll, the wreck's structure is still evident and provides a fantastic habitat for the region's diverse marine life, transforming a casualty of war into a thriving underwater ecosystem.

    Nearest Dive Centres to AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY)

    Dive shops near AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY)

    View all dive centres in Cornwall & Devon

    Reviews for AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY)

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY)

    AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    17°C

    62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C

    Air Temperature

    13°C

    56°F

    Wind Speed

    8.14 m/s

    15.8 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1011 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Cornwall & Devon

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.

    Search stays in Cornwall & Devon

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near AILSA CRAIG (PROBABLY)

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Cornwall & Devon