ALGARVE - Cornwall & Devon

The Algarve is a proper dive, a deep wreck off the Cornish coast that keeps you on your toes. We love a historical wreck, and this one, a steamship sunk in 1917, has a story etched into its hull. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, a dramatic entry at 52 metres. The visibility here can be moody, a proper Cornish experience, but when it’s good, the light plays through the structure beautifully. We’ve found conger eels tucked into every nook and cranny, and if you bring a good torch, you can really appreciate the triple-expansion engine. It’s a silty wreck, so careful finning is key if you want to keep the view clear for your buddies. Our favourite part? The sheer scale of it, 69 metres of steel reclaimed by the sea. It’s a dive for experienced deep divers, definitely not one for your first deco stop. Come prepared, know your limits, and the Algarve delivers a genuinely rewarding dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.379368, -2.808900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Wreck History - ALGARVE

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,272 GRT

Built in 1899 by Lobnitz & Co in Renfrew, Scotland, the SS Algarve was a Danish-owned steamship that served the trade routes of Northern Europe for nearly two decades. Powered by a reliable triple-expansion steam engine, she was a typical workhorse of her era, carrying cargo between ports like Rouen and the industrial hubs of the United Kingdom.

Her peaceful service came to an abrupt end during the height of the First World War. On October 20th, 1917, while on passage, she was targeted by the German submarine UB-40. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The Algarve sank beneath the waves, becoming another victim of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the conflict at sea.

Today, the Algarve rests at a depth of 52 metres, placing her firmly in the realm of technical diving. This is a challenging but rewarding dive for experienced, suitably qualified divers. The wreck is largely intact, with her boilers and impressive triple-expansion engine being standout features. The depth ensures the wreck is well-preserved, and the structure provides a fantastic habitat for a variety of marine life, including large shoals of fish and colourful anemones.

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 ALGARVE

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 ALGARVE

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