HERA - Cornwall & Devon

The Hera, a sailing vessel that met its end in 1914, rests at a very accessible 12 metres off the Cornish coast. It's an interesting dive, especially for those who appreciate a historical wreck rather than pristine structure. What you'll find today is a broken-up hull, scattered across the seabed, giving a sense of its violent grounding. We like picking through the ribs and plates, imagining the scale of the original 84-metre ship, and spotting the local wrasse and blennies that have made it home. While it's not a dive for big pelagics, it offers a nice, relaxed exploration suitable for most experience levels, particularly good on a calm day when the visibility clears up.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.200220, -4.904883
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Gerrans Bay to Camels Cove

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 HERA

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 HERA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Hera dive site?
The Hera dive site reaches a maximum depth of 12 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers exploring this historic wreck in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Hera dive site?
The Hera is a fascinating sailing vessel wreck, measuring 84.1m x 12.5m, that sank on January 31, 1914. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, divers can expect to explore the remains of this historic ship, originally built in 1886. It is classified as a dangerous wreck, so proper caution and training are essential when exploring its features.
How challenging is diving the Hera wreck, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the Hera wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it is not typically suitable for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and training to safely navigate this site.
What are the best conditions or times of year to dive the Hera wreck for optimal visibility and experience?
The provided data does not specify the best conditions or times of year for optimal visibility and experience at the Hera wreck. For general guidance on planning your dive, we recommend consulting local dive operators or checking our When to Dive section for typical regional conditions in Cornwall & Devon.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Hera shipwreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the Hera wreck's intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess certifications appropriate for wreck diving and conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area. It is always best to consult with a local dive center for precise certification requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Hera dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical currents or water conditions at the Hera dive site. For up-to-date information on local conditions, it is always recommended to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.