ALBATROS - Cornwall & Devon

The Albatros, near Penzance, is one of those sites we always recommend for a relaxed, shallow dive. It’s a wooden motor vessel, dating back to 1913, and though she went down in '52, she’s still remarkably intact for a wreck at this depth. You’re only looking at 5m here, maximum, so it’s a brilliant second dive or a good introduction to wreck diving for those still building confidence. We love finning slowly over the remains of her hull, often finding conger eels peeking out from beneath the timbers. The wooden structure has softened and opened up over the years, making for easy swim-throughs where you can spot pollack darting between the frames. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the silty seabed nearby, perfectly camouflaged against the wood. The light here, even on an overcast day, filters beautifully through the kelp that sways gently over the wreck, giving it a peaceful, almost ethereal feel. It's a genuinely charming dive, never rushed, and always good for spotting something interesting without feeling like you're fighting the elements.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.574165, -1.323333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ALBATROS

Year Sunk
1952
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
grounding

The Albatros was a vessel with a unique history, beginning its life in 1913 as a wooden sailing ship built in Kinderdijk, Netherlands. As technology evolved, it was later converted into a motor-sailer, retrofitted with a two-cylinder, two-stroke oil engine to supplement its sails. At the time of her loss, she was under the ownership of H. Meertens NV.

On December 22, 1952, the Albatros was caught in a severe gale off the notoriously rugged coast of Cornwall. The storm proved too powerful for the vessel, and it was driven ashore, ultimately wrecking near Porthallow. Its demise is a classic story of the sea's power over the ships that sail it.

Because it wrecked so close to shore, the remains of the Albatros lie in just 5 meters of water. This makes it an incredibly accessible site, perfect for trainee divers, snorkelers, and anyone looking for a simple but rewarding shallow dive. While the wooden hull has long since been broken apart by the relentless surge, divers can still discover the ship's engine block, propeller shaft, and other metal components scattered across the seabed, now beautifully colonized by kelp and colorful anemones.

Marine Protected Area: Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

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 ALBATROS

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 ALBATROS

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 maximum depth for diving the Albatros dive site?
The Albatros dive site has a maximum depth of 5 meters. This shallow depth makes it an accessible wreck for many divers to explore. It's a great spot for those looking for a relatively shallow dive experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Albatros dive site?
Divers can expect to explore the underwater features of the Albatros, a historic motor vessel wreck. Sunk in 1952, this wooden vessel measures 27.8m x 5.9m and offers an interesting structure to investigate. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often attract various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Albatros dive site for recreational divers?
The Albatros dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Always ensure your skills match the dive conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the Albatros for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Albatros dive site. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive resource. Always check local conditions before planning your trip to Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Albatros dive site?
While the Albatros dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data. Generally, an intermediate site would be suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Albatros dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Albatros dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning their dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.