HMS Acheron
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.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to HMS Acheron
Dive shops near HMS Acheron
TAL Scuba Ltd.
Divers Down
In2 Diving
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Andark Diving
Dorset Diving Services
Reviews for HMS Acheron
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)
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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