BELLONA

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Dawlish Warren

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) - BELLONA 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 6m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Bellona, sunk in 1799, isn't about depth or vibrant coral, it's about history you can touch. At just 6m, this privateer wreck off Teignmouth is surprisingly accessible, a perfect dip for when the conditions are just right. We love poking around the remaining timbers, imagining the ship’s final moments – you’ll find ribs and planks scattered across the seabed, home to surprising numbers of wrasse and blennies. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for squat lobsters. It's not a massive structure, more of an archaeological treasure hunt, best explored slowly when the visibility pushes past a few metres. We'd suggest going at slack water to fully appreciate the details without fighting a current. It's a gentle, reflective dive, a real window into Cornwall’s maritime past.

Typical BELLONA 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.

Today06:3017:3311h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:48

BELLONA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1799

Vessel Type

warship

Cause

unknown

The Bellona was a local privateer, a privately owned vessel authorized by the government to attack and capture enemy ships during wartime. Operating out of Teignmouth in the late 18th century, she would have been a fast, well-armed sailing ship, a scourge of enemy merchant vessels. Her career came to an abrupt end in 1799 when she sank just off the coast. The exact cause is lost to time, but whether it was a sudden storm, a navigational error, or a final, fatal battle, she went down close to home.

Resting in just 6 metres of water, the wreck of the Bellona is now a scattered historical site rather than an intact vessel. Over two centuries of tides and storms have broken her wooden hull apart, leaving behind ballast stones, fragments of timber, and perhaps cannons or other armaments hidden beneath the sand. This shallow site is perfect for novice divers and history enthusiasts, offering a chance to connect with the age of sail and the adventurous, dangerous life of a local privateer.