W.H.L. - Cornwall & Devon

The W.H.L. is a deep wreck, a sailing vessel caught by a German U-boat back in 1918. We love how time has softened its lines, transforming a wartime tragedy into a proper dive. Dropping down to 45 metres, you’ll find her mostly intact, lying on her port side. The visibility here can be truly surprising, often clearing to 15 metres or more, which at this depth really helps in picking out the details. Exploring the W.H.L. is a dark, atmospheric dive. The wooden hull is collapsing in places, revealing interior spaces that are just begging for a peek. Expect to see plenty of encrusting anemones, especially plumose anemones, which thrive in the deeper, darker water, waving like ghostly flowers. Dogfish often shelter in the shadows, and we’ve even spotted a conger eel or two peeking from beneath twisted metal. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck truly taken by the sea. Always check the tides; slack water is crucial for a comfortable dive at this depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.433920, -2.367986
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 W.H.L.

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 W.H.L.

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