UB 86 (POSSIBLY)

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Offshore Brighton

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) - UB 86 (POSSIBLY) 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 50m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The UB 86, if it is indeed her, feels like stepping back into a submerged chapter of history. Dropping onto the deck at 50 metres, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of this UB III class submarine. We love the way the forward torpedo tubes gape, a silent testament to her purpose, and the twin screws are still surprisingly intact at the stern. It’s a deep dive, no question, so come prepared with your technical kit and a good gas plan. Visibility here can swing, but on a good day, the light filtering down from above paints the metal in hues of green and blue. Look closely; conger eels are often tucked into the torpedo tubes, their heads peeking out with an air of ancient ownership. Dead man’s fingers cling to the hull, softening the sharp edges of the wartime relic, and the occasional dogfish cruises past. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet drama of a historical wreck, where the details of a bygone era are slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. We’d suggest timing your dive for a slack tide to fully appreciate the undisturbed atmosphere.