DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH - Cornwall & Devon

The Duke of Buccleuch is a proper deep wreck, resting at 54 metres, and for us, it's one of the best for sheer scale and atmosphere off the Cornish coast. She was a big steamship, and that size is evident as you descend onto her. What we love about this wreck is how intact she remains for a vessel lost in 1889. You can still make out the bow, the stern, and even parts of the superstructure. The boilers are a focal point, massive and surrounded by conger eels that have made themselves right at home. We've seen some absolutely huge ones here, peering out from every nook. The prop is another highlight, often adorned with jewel anemones, sparkling like scattered gems in your torch beam. Visibility can be a challenge, so we'd always recommend picking a slack tide and a day with minimal swell for the best experience. It's a dive that rewards careful planning and experienced deep divers. You’ll spend your bottom time navigating cavernous holds and discovering the delicate balance of history and marine life that now defines this impressive wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.492140, -0.434996
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH

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 DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH

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