DONEGAL - Cornwall & Devon

The Donegal. Now there's a name that gets whispers going among UK wreck divers. She’s often touted as one of our favourite wreck dives in Cornwall, and for good reason. What began life as a formidable battleship met its end by German U-boat in 1917, now resting upright on the seabed, remarkably intact. This isn’t just a pile of twisted metal; you can still make out the gun turrets, the bridge structure, and the impressive hull. Dropping down onto the Donegal, you’re greeted by a truly substantial wreck. The sheer scale is what really hits you first. We love exploring the deck guns, now encrusted with plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look for the resident conger eels peeking out from every dark nook. The deeper sections, around 45 metres, are where the bigger fish tend to hang out. It's a site that demands respect and good dive planning, best suited for experienced wreck divers comfortable with deeper profiles and potentially strong currents. Our top tip? Aim for slack water, always. Otherwise, it can be a rocket ride.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.841680, -1.109514
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Portsmouth Harbour

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 DONEGAL

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 DONEGAL

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