DUNSINANE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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) - DUNSINANE 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 · max 3m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Dunsinane, a brigantine that met its end in 1904, is shallow, but don’t let that fool you. This site packs a punch for history buffs and macro lovers alike. We’ve spent countless hours poking around its scattered timbers, feeling the cool surge against our faces as we examine the metal fastenings and splintered planks. It’s not about grand swim-throughs here, but rather a slow, deliberate exploration. Look closely, and you’ll find the wreck acting as a low-lying reef, a magnet for creatures. We often spot blennies peeking from crevices, crabs scuttling over corroded iron, and the occasional dogfish tucked away under a larger piece of wreckage. The shallow depth means you get fantastic light penetration on sunny days, painting the seafloor in shifting greens and blues. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, high tide, when the water clarity is usually at its best and the current is minimal, letting you really take your time uncovering its secrets. This is a perfect dive for photographers or anyone who appreciates the quieter side of wreck diving, a place to connect with maritime history in an intimate way.