USS Illinois - Cornwall & Devon

The USS Illinois isn't just a hunk of metal; it’s a portal to maritime history, sitting off the coast of Cornwall. We love how the wreck, originally a French battleship then seized by the US, tells a story of shifting naval power, now gently succumbing to the currents and the sea life. You descend into the often green, moody waters and the wreck slowly materialises, its size impressive. What makes it special? For us, it’s the sense of scale and the way the superstructure has collapsed, creating swim-throughs that are just begging to be explored. Inside, we’ve found conger eels coiled in the shadows, their eyes tracking your light, and a surprising number of wrasse darting between twisted girders. Visibility can vary wildly here; we’d suggest aiming for slack tide on a neap to get the best views and avoid battling the surge. It’s a site for those who appreciate wrecks with a bit of mystery and enjoy a dive where you can truly feel the weight of history around you.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.976185, -2.334683
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 USS Illinois

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 USS Illinois

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