DEUCALION - Cornwall & Devon

The Deucalion is a deep, dramatic piece of history sitting upright on the seabed. We love a wartime wreck, and this one, bombed by German aircraft in 1940, tells a story. Dropping down to 58 meters, you find a steamship of impressive scale – 90 meters long, built in the Netherlands. The sheer size of it is what hits you first, a dark mass emerging from the gloom, often cloaked in schooling pollack. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, but on a good day, the superstructure is still quite intact, and you can pick out features like the anchor chains or the ghostly remnants of the bridge. It’s a serious dive, definitely for experienced technical divers comfortable with depths and potentially strong currents. Our favourite part? The way the wreck itself has become an artificial reef. You'll often find conger eels tucked into shadowy corners and jewel anemones adding splashes of colour to the corroded steel. It truly feels like stepping back in time, even as modern marine life thrives around it.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.153890, -2.057361
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 DEUCALION

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 DEUCALION

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 typical depth range for diving at the DEUCALION dive site?
The DEUCALION wreck is typically found at a depth of 58 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience. Exploring this historical steam ship requires careful planning due to its depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at DEUCALION?
The DEUCALION is a fascinating steam ship wreck, measuring 90.2m x 13.1m, providing a significant underwater structure to explore. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks like the DEUCALION often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. Divers can expect to explore the historical features of this vessel.
What is the difficulty level of diving at DEUCALION, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at the DEUCALION is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 58 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is not suitable for all experience levels. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for deep and wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to visit DEUCALION for optimal diving conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the DEUCALION dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, please refer to our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at DEUCALION?
Given that the DEUCALION is an intermediate difficulty dive at a depth of 58 meters, specific certifications for deep diving and potentially wreck diving are highly recommended. Divers should have advanced training and experience to safely explore this site. It is not suitable for entry-level divers.
What are the prevailing currents and water conditions, such as temperature and visibility, at the DEUCALION dive site?
Our current data for the DEUCALION dive site does not provide specific details on prevailing currents, water temperature, or typical visibility. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before their dive. Always be prepared for varying conditions in the United Kingdom.