ALGARVE
Protected Area
East of Start Point
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) - ALGARVE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical ALGARVE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 52m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
ALGARVE Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ALGARVE
Dive shops near ALGARVE
Dive Beyond Limited
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Edge Watersports
Reviews for ALGARVE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ALGARVE
ALGARVE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ALGARVE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
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
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