HMCS REGINA - Cornwall & Devon

The HMCS Regina, sitting deep at 52 metres, is a serious dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, and we think it’s one of the most poignant dives off the UK coast. This Canadian Flower-class corvette was torpedoed in 1944, and her story, combined with the sheer depth, gives you a real sense of history. Descending through the dark green water, the wreck slowly materialises, often feeling like it’s still on patrol. The Regina lies upright and mostly intact, a ghostly silhouette on the seabed. We love picking out the gun placements and imagining the crew’s frantic final moments. The bow is particularly striking, often draped in fishing nets like tattered shrouds, making for some dramatic photography. Inside, you can still make out the engine room, a tight squeeze but worth a peek for the adventurous. Outside, the exposed metalwork is coated in jewel anemones, splashes of orange and pink against the grey. Ling and conger eels lurk in the deeper shadows, while schools of pollack often swirl around the mast. Our best dives here have been on slack water, allowing us to spend more time exploring rather than fighting the currents that can sometimes sweep across the site.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.712820, -4.973717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: Pentire Peninsula

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 HMCS REGINA

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 HMCS REGINA

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