HMS SARGASSO - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Sargasso, or what’s left of her, lies deep off the Cornish coast. We think it’s a brilliant dive, sitting at 38 metres on a silty seabed. She started life as a luxury yacht, the Atlantis, before being requisitioned as a minelayer in the war. You can still feel a bit of that grand past in her bones, even though she’s well broken now. We love dropping onto the bow, finding the anchor chain snaking down into the gloom. Visibility here can be tricky, so pick your day carefully, ideally on a slack tide after a spell of calm weather. Our favourite bit is exploring the engine room – it’s a proper squeeze, but worth it to see the impressive machinery. Look out for the resident conger eels, they’re huge and seem to be everywhere. You’ll also spot plenty of plumose anemones, their feathery heads swaying in the gentle current, and the occasional inquisitive bib darting in and out of the wreckage. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a challenge.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.519703, -1.708138
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 SARGASSO

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 SARGASSO

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