HMS M2 - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the U-85 is a proper North Carolina wreck dive, no doubt about it. This isn't some purpose-sunk playground. You're dropping onto a genuine piece of history, a German U-boat sunk by the USS Roper in 1942. It’s sitting pretty upright at around 40-45 meters, often in currents that can be a bit frisky, so we only recommend this for experienced wreck divers. What we love about the U-85 is the drama of it all. As you descend, the dark shape emerges from the green water, often shrouded in schooling baitfish – think huge shoals of alewife and pigfish so thick they block the light. The conning tower is still largely intact, and you can peer into the torpedo tubes, imagining the crew’s final moments. Barracuda often hang motionless near the structure, and we’ve seen some hefty tuna patrolling the periphery. Keep an eye out for sandbar sharks, too; they love to cruise the deeper wrecks here. The stern is a bit more broken up, but the bow holds its shape well. We always feel a real sense of connection to history here. Our top tip? Go on a day with minimal surface swell. It really improves the experience when you don't have to fight the surge on the bottom.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.576100, -2.548610
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 M2

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 M2

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