M2 (Wreck) - Cornwall & Devon

There's a reason the M2 remains one of our absolute favourite dives in UK waters. This is no ordinary wreck, it’s a submarine, and exploring it feels like stepping back into a submerged museum, a chilling reminder of its tragic loss in 1932. Dropping down, the sheer scale of it becomes apparent quickly. We always make a beeline for the hangar forward of the conning tower, imagining the small seaplane it once launched. You can spend a good chunk of bottom time just circumnavigating the exterior, observing the way dabs and plaice hug the sand around the hull, and conger eels peer out from behind plating. Look closer, and the wreck is completely encrusted with jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers, providing a riot of colour even on a grey day. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy the solemn beauty of a well-preserved wreck. Just keep an eye on your depth, 30m creeps up fast.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.581500, -2.558300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m
Difficulty
Intermediate

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 M2 (Wreck)

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 M2 (Wreck)

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