Wreck of German torpedo boat Iltis - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the Iltis is like stepping back into a moment of history, frozen and claimed by the sea. This isn’t one of those overly-picked-clean wrecks; she’s still got a lot of her character, even after all these years. We love pushing into the deeper parts of the engine room, where the light struggles to penetrate, and seeing the massive, eerily silent machinery. The stern, in particular, is a rewarding spot, often hosting inquisitive conger eels and dense shoals of pouting that swirl around you, reflecting the limited sunlight. This isn’t a shallow splash, and the currents can get frisky, so it's one for the more experienced wreck divers, especially those comfortable with potential low visibility. Our favourite time to dive here is on a slack tide, just after high water, when you can really take your time to explore the bridge and the remains of the torpedo tubes. Be prepared for a proper British wreck dive-dark, atmospheric, and full of that rugged maritime history we appreciate so much.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.766666, 1.566667
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Folkestone Pomerania

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 Wreck of German torpedo boat Iltis

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 Wreck of German torpedo boat Iltis

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