QUEEN VICTORIA - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.117160, -4.517789
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

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 QUEEN VICTORIA

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 QUEEN VICTORIA

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