AJAX - Cornwall & Devon

The Ajax, sitting at 37 metres, is a solid dive for anyone keen on a piece of wartime history off the Cornish coast. We tend to drop onto the stern first, where you can still pick out the propeller shaft leading forward. She’s a decent size at 67 metres long, allowing for a good swim-through experience in the cargo holds if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and your dive skills are dialled in. Expect to find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, and plenty of bib and pollack darting around the superstructure. It’s a classic UK wreck dive: atmospheric, good penetration if you’re up for it, and always a few surprises from the local marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.508300, -1.544057
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to AJAX

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AJAX

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth for diving the AJAX dive site in Dania Beach?
The AJAX dive site, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, has a typical depth of 37 meters. This makes it a significant dive for those exploring the region's historical wrecks. Please note that the site is not located in Dania Beach.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see at the AJAX dive site?
The AJAX dive site is a fascinating wreck dive, featuring the remains of a steam ship vessel that sank on August 8, 1940. Divers can explore its structure, including a boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data for this site, wrecks often attract various species over time.
How difficult is the AJAX dive site for new or less experienced divers?
The AJAX dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is not recommended for new or less experienced divers, who should gain more proficiency before attempting this dive. Divers should possess the necessary skills and certifications for deeper wreck dives.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the AJAX dive site for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the AJAX dive site does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our When to Dive resource helpful. Local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon would be the best source for up-to-date information.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the AJAX dive site?
Given the AJAX dive site's depth of 37 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should possess appropriate advanced certifications. These typically include qualifications for deep diving and potentially wreck diving specialties to safely explore such sites. Always ensure your certification level matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the AJAX dive site?
Our available data for the AJAX dive site does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility. We recommend checking with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for the most current conditions before planning your dive.