Wreck of HMT Royal Edward - Crete

The HMS Boadicea is one of those wrecks that just delivers. Not just because of its history as a B-class destroyer, but for how it has settled and what’s made a home there. We often find ourselves just hanging out on the deck, watching the dogfish weave through the exposed plating, sometimes even spotting an anglerfish hunkered down in the gloom. It’s a proper exploration, with plenty of entry points into the deeper sections for those with the right training, but also enough to see on the exterior for less experienced wreck divers. We’d always suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can really rip, turning what should be a leisurely exploration into a full-on workout. The bow section is particularly intact and our favourite spot for photography, usually covered in jewel anemones and Devonshire cup corals. Look closely for Alder's Necklace Shells moving over the encrusting sponges – they’re surprisingly colourful if you take the time. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the UK, but when it's good, seeing the full length of the destroyer laid out is something special. The scale really hits you then.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.310000, 25.510000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: SANTORINI: NEA KAI PALIA KAMENI - PROFITIS ILIAS

Best Time to Dive in Crete

The warmest water temperatures in Crete occur in August, averaging 25.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 17.3°C
  • February: 16.4°C
  • March: 16.4°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 19.2°C
  • June: 22.3°C
  • July: 24.1°C
  • August: 25.1°C
  • September: 24.6°C
  • October: 22.9°C
  • November: 20.9°C
  • December: 18.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Crete

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of HMT Royal Edward

Marine Life in Crete

Home to 11 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 1 other, 1 sea urchins, 1 worms, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of HMT Royal Edward

Based on average water temperature of 20.4°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°C water
  • 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