VARUNA (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Varuna, now she’s a proper dive for those who love their history with a side of deep exploration. Lying at 55 metres, this isn't a beginner's playground, but for experienced technical divers, it’s a real treat. We’re talking about a fishing smack, sunk back in 1918 by a German submarine, UC-75. It’s a quiet, humbling spot, often draped in that classic Devon green light, where the past feels incredibly present. What you'll find down there is a surprisingly intact vessel, considering her age and depth. The wooden hull has long since succumbed to the sea, but the sturdy framework remains, skeletal and defiant. We love how the metal ribs create a series of shadowy archways, perfect for navigating through, feeling that cool squeeze as you pass. Expect to see conger eels, thick as a diver's thigh, peering out from crevices, and the occasional inquisitive bib darting in and out of the structure. Our favourite moments here are when the light catches the encrusting anemones, giving the drab metal a surprising splash of colour. It’s a dive for contemplation, for imagining the men who worked her, and the sudden violence of her end. If you're a wreck aficionado with the right training, the Varuna offers a genuine connection to maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.322815, -3.073467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start 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 VARUNA (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 VARUNA (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