HMSM SAFARI (EX P 211) - Cornwall & Devon

The HMSM Safari, resting at 41 metres, is a proper submarine dive and one of our favourites in the UK, especially if you’re into the historical stuff. This isn't just a pile of plates; she's largely intact, lying on her side, a real ghostly presence on the seabed. We love the way she still holds that distinct submarine shape, even after all these years. You can poke around the conning tower, which stands proud, and sometimes, if the visibility is playing ball, you can get a sense of her full length stretching out into the gloom. Inside, she's dark and silty, so stick to the exterior unless you're appropriately trained and equipped for overhead environments. The exterior, though, offers plenty. Dead man's fingers coral coat much of the metalwork, a soft, orange fuzz that contrasts with the grey steel. Look closely and you'll often spot squat lobsters tucked into crevices, their eyes glinting in your torch beam. Conger eels are common residents, their thick bodies disappearing into open torpedo tubes or any larger gaps they can find. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration and suits those who appreciate a tangible piece of naval history over just pretty colours.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.422360, -2.042639
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 SAFARI (EX P 211)

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 SAFARI (EX P 211)

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