PERSEVERANCE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

East of Start Point

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) - PERSEVERANCE 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 52m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The *Perseverance* wreck is one of our favourite deep dives off the Lizard, a true piece of wartime history resting at 52 metres. It’s the remains of a smack fishing vessel, captured and sunk by a German submarine in 1918. You can almost feel the chill of that winter day as you descend, the light fading through the green water. What makes *Perseverance* so special is its intactness and the way it’s settled on the seabed. You’ll find the hull largely upright, with the stern particularly well-preserved. We love finning over the deck, imagining the crew's last moments. Look for the mast, often draped in dead man's fingers, and don’t forget to peek into the hold – it’s become a haven for conger eels, often surprisingly large ones, and you'll spot them peering out from every nook. The metalwork is a canvas for jewel anemones and hydroids, sparkling in your torch beam. This site is definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and the often-chilly temperatures of the Cornish coast. We’d suggest a trimix blend to give you ample bottom time to really appreciate its quiet dignity.