BELLONA - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.557230, -3.471212
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BELLONA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Dawlish Warren

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 BELLONA

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 BELLONA

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