WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY)
Protected Area
Dolphin Head Highly Protected Marine Area
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
We’ve always been drawn to a good mystery, and the "WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY)" wreck delivers exactly that. Dropping to 49 metres off the Cornish coast, this isn't a dive for the faint of heart, but it’s immensely rewarding for those comfortable with deeper, darker UK diving. We love the sheer scale of it, and the way the stern, with its massive slipway, just dominates the seabed. You can spend a whole dive just exploring the processing areas, imagining the old factory floor. Our pick for a truly atmospheric moment is finning through the cavernous holds. The light barely penetrates, and the whole wreck just hums with that deep, cold ocean quiet. Look for plump conger eels tucked into every crevice, and the vibrant bursts of jewel anemones clinging to the darker metalwork. It’s a proper expedition dive, a chance to really connect with history and the powerful, persistent nature of the sea reclaiming what’s hers. We’d suggest a good torch and a buddy who appreciates a bit of a story with their dive.
Typical WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 49m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY)
WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for WHALE UNIT 552 (POSSIBLY), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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