ATLANTIC DOLPHIN

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Morte 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) - ATLANTIC DOLPHIN offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 18m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.

Typical ATLANTIC DOLPHIN Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

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.

Today06:3417:3511h 1m daylightGolden hour 16:49

ATLANTIC DOLPHIN Wreck History

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.