KONG OSCAR 2 - Cornwall & Devon

The Kong Oscar II, sunk by a U-boat in 1917, is a proper slice of WWI history down at 31 metres. We always feel a shiver of respect dropping onto this one, imagining the chaos that must have played out. What’s left is a fragmented but really atmospheric wreck, quite broken up across the seabed, but that just adds to its allure. You’ll find its scattered remains have created brilliant hideouts for marine life. We've often spotted big lobsters tucked into crevices, their antennae waving lazily, and conger eels peeking out from under plating. The metalwork, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones, feels ancient and alive all at once. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history as much as the sea life, a poignant reminder of wartime in the Channel. Go on a slack tide for the best visibility, otherwise, the silt can kick up pretty easily.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.645668, -0.597167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

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 KONG OSCAR 2

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 KONG OSCAR 2

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