DUNSINANE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.452057, -2.677722
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 DUNSINANE

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 DUNSINANE

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