UB 118 - Cornwall & Devon

The UB 118, sitting upright at 60 metres, is a proper technical dive, and one we rate highly for experienced wreckies looking for a challenge off the Cornish coast. Dropping down, the sheer scale of this German U-boat becomes clear. We love how intact she is, especially the conning tower still standing proud. You’ll find the deck guns missing, salvaged long ago, but the torpedo tubes are there, ominous and open, perfect for a torch beam exploration if you’re properly skilled and equipped. The real draw here, beyond the history, is the sheer biomass that's made the submarine home. Conger eels the size of your thigh peer from every crevice, and the hull is draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, the low light filtering through the water column gives the whole site a wonderfully eerie atmosphere. It’s a deep, dark dive, certainly not for the faint of heart, but for those with the training and confidence, it’s a truly rewarding experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.164850, -4.719300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Cuckoo Rock to Turbot Point

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 UB 118

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 UB 118

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

What is the typical depth range for diving at the UB 118 site?
The UB 118 dive site is located at a significant depth of 60 meters. This makes it a deep wreck dive, requiring careful planning and appropriate training for safe exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at UB 118?
Divers at the UB 118 site will primarily explore the fascinating remains of a submarine vessel. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 55.5m x 5.8m, provides an intriguing underwater feature to discover. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the UB 118 dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The UB 118 dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a depth of 60 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers and requires appropriate advanced certifications and experience in deep diving.
What is the best time of year or season to dive UB 118 for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season to dive the UB 118 site for optimal conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on seasonal conditions and visibility.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the UB 118 site?
Given the UB 118 site's depth of 60 meters and intermediate difficulty rating, divers will typically require advanced certifications such as PADI Deep Diver or equivalent technical diving qualifications. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for such challenging conditions.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at UB 118?
The provided data for the UB 118 dive site does not include specific details on typical currents or water conditions. Divers planning to visit this wreck should inquire with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for current conditions and forecasts to ensure a safe dive.