HMSM M2 - Cornwall & Devon

The M2 is just *special*, and we don't use that word lightly. Lying at 31 metres, this massive submarine is an absolute beast of a dive, offering a proper look into a piece of naval history. Dropping down, you feel the sheer scale of her immediately; 90 metres long, she’s largely intact and lies on her starboard side. We love pushing past the bow, imagining the drama of her final moments, even though it’s a sombre thought. The real draw, beyond the history, is the sheer amount of life that has made her home. Visibility can be hit or miss in the English Channel – you might get 5 metres, you might get 20 – but even in murkier conditions, her structure looms large. Look for the conger eels peeking out of every nook and cranny, and the jewel anemones that plaster the metalwork, adding splashes of colour to the dark steel. Our favourite bit is exploring the hangar area towards the stern. It's collapsed now, but you can still get a sense of its original purpose, imagining the small seaplane she once carried. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate strong currents and are comfortable in deeper water. There’s a lot to take in, so plan for multiple visits if you really want to get to know her.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.576830, -2.566417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

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 HMSM 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 HMSM 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