M 343 (PROBABLY)

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Les Minquiers

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - M 343 (PROBABLY) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 29m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The M 343, a German minesweeper scuttled off St. Malo in 1944, is a fantastic dive for those who appreciate a solid piece of history underwater. She lies at 29 meters, relatively intact for a wreck of her age, which we love. You'll descend onto a substantial, dark shape, the deck plates often draped in snaking kelp fronds, which gives it a wonderfully atmospheric feel. We often find this wreck surrounded by schools of small pollack, flickering silver in the ambient light. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into crevices and the occasional larger conger eel peeking from deeper sections – they're always a thrill. The sheer scale of the M 343 allows for some proper exploration; you can spend a good chunk of your bottom time investigating the various sections, imagining the vessel in her wartime role. Visibility here can be typical for UK waters, so come prepared for anything from a murky 5 meters to a brilliant 15. Our tip? Aim for slack tide; it makes navigating the wreck much more enjoyable without battling a current. This dive is definitely for the experienced wreck enthusiast, someone who appreciates the story behind the metal.