HMS OCEAN SUNLIGHT

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Beachy Head West

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) - HMS OCEAN SUNLIGHT 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 9m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The HMS Ocean Sunlight, a drifter sunk by a mine in 1940, sits in a shallow 9m. It’s a site we always come back to when we’re in the area, often as a second dive after something deeper. Because it’s so shallow, you get incredible bottom time, which is perfect for really getting to know the wreck. We love how the sunlight filters through the water here, illuminating the twisted metal and making the colours pop, even on an overcast day. You’ll find plenty of resident ballan wrasse darting in and out of the structure, and conger eels are often tucked into the larger sections, peeking out with their heads. Our favourite part is exploring the intact bow section, imagining the vessel in its operational days. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers looking to get comfortable with penetration, or for photographers wanting to play with ambient light and wide-angle shots. The Ocean Sunlight offers a peaceful, reflective dive, a real window into a moment in wartime history.