LEOPOLDVILLE - Cornwall & Devon

The Leopoldville. Now this is a proper deep wreck. Sunk on Christmas Eve, 1944, just off Cherbourg, she’s a huge liner, 151 metres long, and lies in 52 metres. You’ll need your trimix certs for this, no question. We love how intact she is, despite the torpedo hit. You can really get a sense of her original form, huge plates of steel, a massive superstructure. What divers experience here is the sheer scale and the solemnity of a war grave. It’s dark down there, even on a sunny day, and the water is always cool. We’ve had some incredible moments, seeing conger eels emerge from collapsed sections, their thick bodies disappearing into the gloom. The wreck’s character is one of stately decay; she sits upright, proud even in her final resting place. You can explore the bow, the stern, and parts of the accommodation block if you’re careful and well-practised at overhead environments. It’s certainly not for beginners. Visibility can be a challenge, but when it’s good, the structure is just immense, home to pollack, wrasse, and always, always, those monstrous congers. Our favourite time to dive her is early autumn, when the plankton has died back a bit, giving you the best chance of decent viz.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.752450, -1.610983
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

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 LEOPOLDVILLE

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 LEOPOLDVILLE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the LEOPOLDVILLE dive site and what is the shallowest point of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the LEOPOLDVILLE dive site is 52 meters. While the shallowest point of the wreck is not specifically detailed in our records, divers can expect the structure of this substantial liner vessel, measuring 151.4m x 18.9m, to rise significantly from the seabed.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the LEOPOLDVILLE wreck?
The LEOPOLDVILLE is a historical liner vessel, sunk on December 24, 1944, offering a glimpse into maritime history. Divers can expect to see remnants of its structure, including its quadruple expansion engines and LP turbines, which powered the ship at 15.6 knots. Our current data does not specifically detail the marine life found on this wreck.
How challenging is diving the LEOPOLDVILLE wreck, and what factors contribute to its difficulty?
Diving the LEOPOLDVILLE wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. This is largely due to its significant depth of 52 meters and its classification as a dangerous wreck. Divers should be prepared for deep diving conditions and the complexities associated with exploring a large, historical liner vessel.
What is considered the best time of year to dive the LEOPOLDVILLE for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the LEOPOLDVILLE dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications and experience are required to dive the LEOPOLDVILLE, and is special permission needed?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly detailed in our records for the LEOPOLDVILLE, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 52 meters suggest that advanced or technical diving certifications are highly recommended. Additionally, given its classification as a dangerous wreck, divers should possess significant experience in deep and wreck diving. Our data does not indicate that special permission is needed to dive this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions divers encounter at the LEOPOLDVILLE wreck site?
Our current data for the LEOPOLDVILLE wreck site does not provide specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to explore this significant historical wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date site conditions.