Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    Portsmouth Harbour

    DONEGAL

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Portsmouth Harbour

    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) - DONEGAL 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
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for DONEGAL

    DONEGAL Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for DONEGAL, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    17°C

    62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C

    Air Temperature

    13°C

    56°F

    Wind Speed

    8.14 m/s

    15.8 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1011 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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