Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

    HMS Acheron

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

    Why dive here

    With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS Acheron offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded
    Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The HMS Acheron, a 1930 A-class destroyer, sits upright on the seabed off Plymouth, a genuine standout among UK wrecks. We love how intact she is, especially the bow section with its torpedo tubes still visible, and the stern, where you can often spot conger eels poking out from the prop shaft tunnels. Descending onto her deck, it’s not just about history; the wreck buzzes with life. We’ve seen huge schools of poor cod swirling around the superstructure and our favourite, the cheeky butterfish, darting through every crack. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery – classic British diving – but when it's good, it’s *really* good, letting you appreciate the scale of the ship. We'd suggest aiming for slack tide, as currents can pick up and make exploring the more intricate parts, like the engine room access points, a real workout. This wreck suits divers comfortable with colder water and perhaps a touch of gloom, keen to spend time exploring a substantial piece of naval history that has become a vibrant artificial reef. Keep an eye out for the resident seals, they often make an appearance.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today06:2217:2411h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:40

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS Acheron

    HMS Acheron Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS Acheron, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    17°C

    62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C

    Air Temperature

    13°C

    56°F

    Wind Speed

    8.14 m/s

    15.8 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1011 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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