PORTUGAL - Cornwall & Devon

The Portugal wreck, off the Cornish coast, is one we always suggest for those seeking a proper deep dive with a touch of history. This isn't a site for the faint-hearted or new divers; dropping down to 50 metres, it demands experience and careful planning. We’ve always been drawn to the sheer scale of this steamship, a significant vessel built in 1909 and torpedoed by U-113 in 1918. You descend onto a wreck that feels truly massive, its 71.9-metre length spread across the seabed. The bow and stern sections are particularly well-preserved, standing proud enough to offer swim-throughs into cargo holds that still feel eerie and cavernous. We love exploring the debris field around the main structure; it's here you often spot hefty conger eels peering from pipes and crevices, or lobsters scuttling away into the shadows. The sheer isolation of the Portugal at this depth means it attracts larger fish, too; we’ve seen impressive pollack schooling around the superstructure, their silver scales flashing in our torch beams. Best dived on slack water to avoid strong currents, this wreck delivers an authentic deep-sea exploration, leaving you with a genuine sense of its past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.566483, -5.192467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 PORTUGAL

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 PORTUGAL

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

When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Portugal for good weather and marine life?
The provided data for the PORTUGAL wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, does not specify the best time of year for good weather or marine life. For general guidance on seasonal conditions, you might consult broader resources for the region or our When to Dive section.
What kind of marine life and underwater landscapes can I expect to see when diving in Portugal?
The dive site PORTUGAL is a fascinating steam ship wreck, sunk in 1918, located off Cornwall & Devon. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks like the PORTUGAL wreck often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. You can explore our wildlife database for common species found in similar environments.
How challenging is scuba diving in Portugal, and are there options for beginner divers?
Diving the PORTUGAL wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 50m, this site is generally not suitable for beginner divers. Those new to diving should seek out shallower sites within the Cornwall & Devon region that cater to entry-level certifications.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required for diving in Portugal?
Given the intermediate difficulty and 50m depth of the PORTUGAL wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, advanced certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a Deep Diver specialty would typically be required. Always confirm specific certification requirements with your chosen dive operator before planning your dive to the PORTUGAL wreck.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions for diving in Portugal?
The provided data for the PORTUGAL wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, does not include specific information on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Divers should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before planning a dive to this site.
What are the typical dive depths encountered at popular dive sites in Portugal?
For the specific dive site named PORTUGAL, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, the typical dive depth is 50m. While this is the depth for the PORTUGAL wreck, depths at other popular dive sites across the broader United Kingdom or Cornwall & Devon region will vary.