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