DUCHESS OF CORNWALL - Cornwall & Devon

The Duchess of Cornwall is a proper deep dive, sitting upright in 55m and surprisingly intact for a ship torpedoed in 1917. We love how the bow points north, still relatively proud, though the stern is more broken up, a result of the explosion and over a century on the seabed. There's a lot to see here, from the massive triple-expansion engine, now a home for conger eels, to the cargo holds where you’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice. We'd suggest checking out the propeller, which is often swarming with pollack. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates the gloom, the sheer scale of the wreck is impressive. It’s a serious dive for experienced technical divers; the depth means careful planning and execution are essential. The reward, though, is a haunting trip back in time, exploring a piece of maritime history that few ever get to witness.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.745567, -1.723833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

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 DUCHESS OF CORNWALL

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 DUCHESS OF CORNWALL

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 the Duchess of Cornwall wreck?
The Duchess of Cornwall wreck is situated at a depth of 55 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring advanced training and experience to explore safely.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Duchess of Cornwall dive site?
Divers exploring the Duchess of Cornwall can expect to encounter the remains of a 79.4m x 11.2m steam ship vessel, classified as a non-dangerous wreck. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting various species. For more general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Duchess of Cornwall dive, and what is the usual visibility?
The Duchess of Cornwall dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it requires a good level of diving skill and experience. Information regarding the usual visibility for this specific site is not available in the provided data.
When is the best time of year to dive the Duchess of Cornwall for the most favorable conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Duchess of Cornwall for the most favorable conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Duchess of Cornwall wreck?
Given the Duchess of Cornwall wreck's depth of 55 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically need advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and potentially Wreck Diver specialties. It's always recommended to consult with a local dive operator for specific certification requirements and to ensure you have the appropriate equipment.
What are the common current and sea conditions experienced at the Duchess of Cornwall dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the common current and sea conditions experienced at the Duchess of Cornwall dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive center before planning their dive.