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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and types of dive sites available in the Algarve?
The ALGARVE dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is a specific wreck dive, featuring a steam ship vessel sunk in 1917. This particular site has a depth of 52 meters. As a wreck, it offers a fascinating historical exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see in the Algarve?
The primary underwater attraction at the ALGARVE dive site is the well-preserved steam ship vessel itself, built in 1899 and measuring 69.8m x 10.4m. Details regarding specific marine life at this site are not available in the current data. For general marine life information, you can explore DivePlnr's wildlife database.
Is scuba diving in the Algarve suitable for beginners, or are there more challenging sites for experienced divers?
The ALGARVE dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 52 meters, it presents a challenge best suited for divers with some experience rather than beginners. This deep wreck dive requires appropriate training and comfort with advanced diving conditions.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in the Algarve for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the ALGARVE dive site, including seasonal specifics, is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's "When to Dive" guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in the Algarve, especially for deeper or wreck dives?
Given the ALGARVE dive site's depth of 52 meters and its classification as a wreck, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should typically hold a Deep Diver specialty certification, and ideally a Wreck Diver specialty, to safely explore this site. Proper diving equipment and experience with intermediate-level dives are also essential.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions like for diving in the Algarve?
Specific details regarding typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions for the ALGARVE dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.