UB 97 (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The UB 97, if indeed it’s the UB 97, is a dive that really leans into the historical mystery of the Falmouth area. At a maximum depth of two metres, this isn't about deep exploration, it’s about accessible history and wreck detective work. We love drifting over the low-lying remains of what was once a powerful German U-boat. You can make out the general shape, the long, slender hull stretching out, and if the visibility is good, you might even spot some of the internal structure collapsed within. It’s a perfect shallow water photography spot, especially when the sun breaks through the surface, illuminating the dark metal. Shoals of sand eels shimmer around the plates and small wrasse dart amongst the kelp that has colonised the wreck. We'd suggest hitting it on a calm, sunny day with a slack tide for the best chance of clear water – it really makes a difference here. This site suits anyone with an interest in naval history or those who simply enjoy a serene, shallow wreck dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.145725, -5.051598
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Swanpool

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 97 (POSSIBLY)

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 97 (POSSIBLY)

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