DRUMCREE - Cornwall & Devon

The Drumcree is a beast of a wreck. This isn't a gentle introduction to wreck diving; it’s a deep, challenging dive that rewards experience. We're talking 114 metres long, lying in 52 metres of water. Dropping down, you’ll first hit the superstructure, often shrouded in a thick school of pollack. The visibility here can be decent, but it's always a bit dark, a real deep-water feel. What we love about the Drumcree is its sheer scale and the way the sea has reclaimed it. Her boilers are still massive, dominating the stern section, now completely encrusted with plumose anemones, often swaying in a mild current. We’ve found conger eels nestled into what was once the engine room, their heads peering out from the gloom. Exploring the holds, if you have the gas and bottom time, reveals the scattered remains of her cargo, though much is just history now. This wreck suits advanced technical divers, comfortable with depths and limited light, looking for a truly substantial piece of maritime history. Dive her on a slack tide, if you can, to really appreciate her size.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.680534, -4.998286
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: Pentire Peninsula

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 DRUMCREE

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 DRUMCREE

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 maximum depth for recreational diving at Drumcree?
The typical maximum depth for diving at the Drumcree wreck site is 52 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe recreational exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Drumcree?
Divers visiting Drumcree can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a steam ship vessel, measuring 114m x 15.2m. The wreck, sunk in 1915, includes visible structures like three boilers, a triple expansion engine, and a single shaft, providing a fascinating artificial reef for potential marine inhabitants. For more information on general marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Drumcree, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Drumcree is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it unsuitable for beginner divers. With a maximum depth of 52 meters and its classification as a dangerous wreck, it requires advanced skills and experience. Divers should be comfortable with deep diving techniques and wreck diving protocols.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Drumcree for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Drumcree does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for broader regional insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Drumcree?
Given the intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 52 meters at Drumcree, advanced certifications are required. Divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification, with deep diver and wreck diver specialties highly recommended due to the depth and the site's classification as a dangerous wreck.
What are the usual water conditions, visibility, and currents like at the Drumcree dive site?
The provided data for the Drumcree dive site does not include specific details regarding usual water conditions, visibility, or currents. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most current site conditions.