QUEEN VICTORIA

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Lundy

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) - QUEEN VICTORIA 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 44m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The QUEEN VICTORIA wreck, off the Cornish coast, is a truly special dive, especially when the conditions are right. Dropping down to 44 metres, it’s definitely one for the more experienced diver who appreciates a bit of history along with their nudibranchs. We love it because it’s a proper expedition dive, a sailing vessel captured and scuttled by a U-boat in 1918. You can almost feel the chill of that encounter as you descend. What makes the QUEEN VICTORIA stand out is its integrity. While she’s a century old, the hull still holds together remarkably well, forming nooks and crannies that are absolutely packed with life. We’re talking conger eels peeking out from every dark corner, schools of pollack hanging above the mast, and sometimes even a John Dory drifting past. Our favourite part has to be the bow, still somewhat upright, with a stunning profusion of jewel anemones clinging to the plates, sparkling under the torch light. It’s a dark dive, even on a sunny day, so good lights are essential, and a calm sea makes the boat ride infinitely more pleasant. Plan this one for slack water, always. The currents here can be fierce, and you want to really savour the moment rather than battling to stay put.