FORTUNA - Cornwall & Devon

The Fortuna. Now, this is a wreck we always look forward to diving, a proper piece of history off the Cornish coast. She was a steamship, bound for Cardiff from Rotterdam, until a German mine ended her voyage in 1916. You’ll find her sitting upright, largely intact at 27 metres, which means decent bottom time if you're mindful of your deco. What we love about the Fortuna is the way she’s opened up over the decades. Her holds are accessible, and you can swim through various sections, getting a real sense of her scale. Sunlight filters down, creating these shifting patterns on the corroded metal, and it always feels a bit eerie, in a good way. Expect to see conger eels tucked into every crevice, sometimes surprisingly large ones, along with inquisitive pollack darting through the superstructure. If you’re lucky, you might spot a lobster or two clambering across the deck plates. It’s a site that really suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, offering a decent penetration experience without being overly challenging. Our tip? Go at slack water, it makes a huge difference to how much you can explore comfortably.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.694300, -0.038633
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 FORTUNA

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 FORTUNA

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at the Fortuna dive sites in Grand Bahama?
The Fortuna wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, offers diving opportunities to a depth of 27m. Please note that the provided data does not include information on Fortuna dive sites in Grand Bahama.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Fortuna's dive sites?
Divers exploring the Fortuna can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 76.5m in length and 11m in width. This wreck dive, sunk in 1916, is classified as a dangerous wreck. The provided information does not detail specific marine life encounters at this site.
How challenging are the dive sites around Fortuna, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The Fortuna wreck dive in Cornwall & Devon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a dangerous wreck and intermediate difficulty, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for this type of wreck exploration.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Fortuna for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or specific marine encounters at the Fortuna wreck is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons, you may consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Fortuna's various sites?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed, the Fortuna is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, classified as dangerous. Divers are typically recommended to have advanced certifications and specialized wreck diving training for such sites. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like when diving at Fortuna in Grand Bahama?
The provided data for the Fortuna wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, does not include details on usual current or visibility conditions. Furthermore, the data does not pertain to Fortuna in Grand Bahama.