HMS Dunraven - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Dunraven isn’t for the faint of heart, or for those who prefer their wrecks in clear, calm waters. But for the right diver, she’s absolutely brilliant. This Q-ship, sunk in 1917 after a battle with a German U-boat, lies in some pretty exposed waters off Cornwall. When the conditions line up, which they do, it's worth the effort. We love the sheer scale of the Dunraven. She’s a big girl, broken but still impressively intact in places. You'll descend into that typical greenish British water, the visibility often settling around 8-10 metres, sometimes less, but that just adds to the atmosphere. Torches are essential to pick out the details in the gloom. Expect to see cod and pollack hanging around the deeper sections, often darting into the wreckage as you approach. The steel plates are encrusted with jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers, splashes of orange and white in the muted light. Our favourite part is navigating through some of the more open hold sections – it feels properly adventurous, but always with plenty of light overhead. This isn’t a penetration dive for beginners, but there are ample opportunities to explore the superstructure and deck areas. It’s a dive that rewards repeat visits, especially as the currents can sometimes dictate which parts you can comfortably explore.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
48.605000, -5.410000
Type
wreck

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 HMS Dunraven

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 HMS Dunraven

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