40m
    Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    Tennyson

    HMS ACHERON (BOW SECTION)

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Tennyson

    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 (BOW SECTION) 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 · max 40m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The bow section of HMS Acheron, down at 40 metres, is a serious dive for those who appreciate proper history and a bit of a challenge. Dropping onto it, you’re immediately struck by the sheer scale; this isn’t some broken-up pile of metal. You can see the distinct lines of a destroyer, the bow still proud, even after all these years. We love the way the light, even at depth, catches the details – a porthole here, a section of plating there, all encrusted with dense plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s a dive where you can truly feel the story of the vessel. We’ve found conger eels tucked into what might have been crew quarters, and often spot lobsters scuttling away as you approach. The swim-throughs, where parts of the deck have opened up, are our favourite; they're tight but manageable, offering a real sense of exploration, just be mindful of your buoyancy. This site is for experienced cold-water wreck divers, those comfortable with deeper profiles and the generally lower visibility you can get off the UK coast. Come prepared for strong currents on occasion, they really sweep through here, but they also keep the anemones well fed and looking spectacular.

    Typical HMS ACHERON (BOW SECTION) Dive Profile

    15m30m45mSafety Stop0m40m max~20 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

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

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:2217:2511h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:40

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS ACHERON (BOW SECTION)

    HMS ACHERON (BOW SECTION) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS ACHERON (BOW SECTION), 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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