ULLYSES - Cornwall & Devon

Ulysses is a rare treat for UK divers, a true relic just under the waves. We’re talking about a brigantine, sunk in 1881, lying in a barely-there two metres of water. It’s less a dive and more a snorkel, but don't let the depth fool you. You’ll spend an hour just floating over her broken timbers, tracing the ribs of the hull, imagining the ship in her prime. What makes it special, beyond the pure historical resonance, is how the light filters through the water, illuminating patches of wood, highlighting the kelp and anenomes that have claimed her. We love Ulysses because it’s a living museum, accessible to anyone with a mask and fins. Look for dogfish resting in the shadows, wrasse darting between the timbers, and if you’re lucky, a curious seal might just pop by for a look. It’s a perfect site for snorkelers, photographers, or anyone who just wants to slow down and connect with a piece of history. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day with a slack tide, when the visibility is at its best and the light really brings the wreck to life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.493443, -2.490778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 ULLYSES

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 ULLYSES

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