ATLANTIC DOLPHIN - Cornwall & Devon

The Atlantic Dolphin, off the Cornish coast, is a funny old wreck. She was a little cement carrier, only 7.3 metres long, and she sank back in ’97 while being towed. We love her for how compact she is, a perfect little package for a relaxed dive. No deep penetration here, just a sweet little hull sitting upright at 18 metres. What you get is a solid, intact structure that’s become a home for everything small and interesting. Look for the nudibranchs on the hull, and we often spot spider crabs tucked into the nooks. Sometimes, if you’re lucky and the vis is playing ball, you’ll find a school of juvenile pollack hovering above her. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, ideal for newer divers wanting to build confidence, or for those days when you just want an easy bimble with plenty of light. Pick a calm day, and it’s a genuinely pleasant dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.209377, -4.164770
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - ATLANTIC DOLPHIN

Year Sunk
1997
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

The ATLANTIC DOLPHIN is not a mighty freighter or a historic vessel, but a small and unusual wreck that offers a fantastic dive experience off the coast of Cornwall. This 7-meter vessel, constructed from ferro-cement, sank in May 1997 while being towed. Its small size and shallow depth of just 18 meters make it a perfect site for novice wreck divers, photographers, or as a relaxed second dive of the day.

Despite its humble origins, the ATLANTIC DOLPHIN has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Its concrete structure provides an ideal home for a variety of marine life, including colorful wrasse, crabs, lobsters, and schools of bib. Divers can easily circumnavigate the entire wreck in a single dive, exploring every nook and cranny for hidden critters. It's a testament to how even the smallest wrecks can become vibrant underwater ecosystems.

Marine Protected Area: Morte 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 ATLANTIC DOLPHIN

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 ATLANTIC DOLPHIN

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