DENISE - Cornwall & Devon

The Denise, near Mullion, is one of those wrecks that really grows on you. It’s a steamship, sunk in 1917, and it sits in a very forgiving 11 metres of water, making it accessible for most divers. We love that you can really take your time here. The wreck itself is quite broken up, but you can still make out the bow and stern sections, and the boiler is a prominent feature that always draws us in. What makes the Denise special, for us, is the sheer volume of life that has moved in. Spend a few minutes motionless near the boiler and the wrasse will come right up to your mask, curious and bold. We’ve seen conger eels poking out of every nook and cranny, and the deck plates are often carpeted with jewel anemones, shimmering with colour even on a greyer day. It's a fantastic site for photography, especially macro, with so many textures and patterns to capture. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, when the water settles and the visibility can really open up, letting you appreciate the whole site. It’s a classic Cornwall wreck dive, a real character.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.008934, -5.264906
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Lizard 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 DENISE

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 DENISE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the DENISE dive site (Spiegel Grove wreck)?
The maximum depth for diving the DENISE dive site is 11 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers exploring the wrecks off Cornwall & Devon. It's an excellent site for those looking to explore a historic wreck without extreme depth requirements.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the DENISE dive site (Spiegel Grove wreck)?
At the DENISE dive site, divers can expect to explore the remains of a steam ship vessel, which sank on June 6, 1918. This impressive wreck measures 79.2m x 11.9m and provides a fascinating historical feature to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting various local species and offering unique photographic opportunities.
How challenging is diving the DENISE dive site (Spiegel Grove wreck) for recreational divers?
Diving the DENISE dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty. This means it's suitable for recreational divers with some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and potentially varying conditions in the United Kingdom.
What is the best time of year to dive the DENISE dive site (Spiegel Grove wreck) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the DENISE dive site for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons and conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend checking our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information on seasonal variations.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the DENISE dive site (Spiegel Grove wreck)?
While specific certification requirements are not listed, given the DENISE dive site's intermediate difficulty, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Proficiency in wreck diving or a wreck diving specialty would be highly beneficial for safely exploring this historic steamship and navigating its features.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the DENISE dive site (Spiegel Grove wreck)?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the DENISE dive site. We always recommend checking local dive reports and consulting with a local dive operator in Cornwall & Devon for the most up-to-date conditions before planning your dive. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather and tides.