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A scuba diver interacts with tropical fish in an underwater setting, showcasing marine diversity.
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UB-81

UB-81 is a UK wreck dive accessible year-round with documented community exploration and three video records.

⭐ Best for advanced divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Advanced
WreckAdvancedOnlyTechnicalDive

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
advanced

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Map

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UB-81 location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
24.1 kn
Wave
1.94 m
Water
18.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (40%)
Now: WSW (242°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.71m

Today: High 04:00 (+0.36m), Low 10:00 (-1.07m)

+1.0 m0 m-1.7 m
▲ 04:00 · +0.36m ▼ 10:00 · -1.07m ▲ 17:00 · +0.38m ▼ 23:00 · -0.88m Now -0.1m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV2.45 · low Air PM2.56 · good 06:45 19:08
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 25.1 2.04 2 0mm
09-20 22 1.68 4 0mm
09-21 8.7 0.58 5 0mm
09-22 8.9 0.3 4 0mm
09-23 14.4 0.52 4 0mm
09-24 13.8 0.58 4 0mm
09-25 9.3 0.36 4 0mm

About this spot

UB-81 is a historical wreck dive site in United Kingdom waters. The site draws interest from technical and recreational divers seeking wreck exploration. With three community videos documenting dives at the site, UB-81 has established itself as a recorded dive destination, though specific depth, visibility, and water temperature data remain variable and site-dependent. Access and conditions at UB-81 depend on weather, tidal windows, and operator availability. Divers planning visits should consult local dive operators familiar with UK waters and wreck diving protocols. The site is not within a Marine Protected Area, allowing year-round diving where conditions permit. Wreck diving requires proper training and equipment. Prospective divers should ensure they hold appropriate certifications and have experience with overhead environments, current management, and emergency procedures specific to wreck exploration.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United Kingdom: 57 Sites From Wrecks to Seals

Dive types

WreckBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type G · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 115km · ~26kg · €0

FAQ

When is the best time to dive UB-81?

UB-81 can be dived year-round in UK waters. The best window depends on weather, tidal flow, and visibility conditions. Summer months typically offer more stable weather; winter can bring stronger currents and lower visibility. Check local dive operators for current conditions before booking.

What depth and difficulty level is UB-81?

Specific depth and difficulty data for UB-81 are not standardized across all dive records. Wreck diving generally requires advanced training and experience with overhead navigation and emergency procedures. Contact local UK dive operators for site-specific depth profiles and current recommendations.

What marine life can I expect at UB-81?

Wreck sites in UK waters attract diverse marine life, including fish species and crustaceans that colonize the structure. Species composition varies seasonally. No standardized species inventory exists for UB-81 specifically; observational logs from dives and the three community videos offer firsthand accounts.

How do I access UB-81 and are permits required?

UB-81 is not within a Marine Protected Area, so standard diving regulations apply. Access is by boat through local UK dive operators who arrange transportation and adhere to maritime safety rules. Divers must hold wreck-diving certifications and be proficient in cold-water, overhead environment protocols.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Verified marine species observations

10 records · 7 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Buccinum undatum

Gastropoda · Buccinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
24 Jan 2026
×1records

Limax maximus

Gastropoda · Limacidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Jan 2026
×1records

Sepia officinalis

Cephalopoda · Sepiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×3records

Scyliorhinus canicula

Elasmobranchii · Scyliorhinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×2records

Mimachlamys varia

Bivalvia · Pectinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×1records

Raja clavata

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×1records

Actinia equina

Anthozoa · Actiniidae
GBIF
Last seen:
3 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

SCUBA Dive on UB-81, German Submarine off Portsmouth, UK

SouthseaSubAquaClub

Scuba Diving Swanage Pier: Dorset, UK

Erin Marine Breen

SCUBA Dive on UB 81, German Submarine off Portsmouth, UK

Southsea Sub-Aqua Club
wind peaks Dec-Nov-Feb, calmest May-Jul-Jun, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Apr (0/100) Now: Sep (89/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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