HMS ACHERON (STERN SECTION) - Cornwall & Devon

We’ve spent a lot of hours on Cornish wrecks, and the stern section of the HMS Acheron always pulls us back. It’s a deep dive, sitting at 41 metres, so definitely one for the experienced trimix crowd. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of the thing, especially the twin shafts and props, they’re colossal. You get a real sense of the power this destroyer once had. The wreck itself is pretty broken, but the stern is largely intact and it’s become a fantastic artificial reef. We love swimming through the torpedo tubes, which are now completely encrusted with jewel anemones, glowing orange and pink in your torch beam. Look for conger eels tucked into every dark crevice, some of them are huge. On a clear day, with a bit of ambient light, it feels almost otherworldly down there, a proper piece of history reclaimed by the ocean. It’s not a quick bounce dive; we suggest taking your time, really exploring the different compartments and soaking in the atmosphere. The currents can be tricky here, so pick your slack water carefully.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.523457, -1.505343
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 HMS ACHERON (STERN SECTION)

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 HMS ACHERON (STERN SECTION)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) dive site?
The maximum depth of the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) dive site is 41 meters. This makes it a significant dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) can expect to encounter the remains of a 98.5m x 10.1m destroyer vessel, originally built in 1930. The wreck, which sank in 1940, features impressive structures like three boilers, turbine engines, twin shafts, and armament including 4 x 4.7 inch and 2 x 2PDR guns, along with 8 torpedo tubes. It's classified as a non-dangerous wreck, offering a fascinating historical dive.
How challenging is diving the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) wreck, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 41 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is recommended for divers with a suitable level of experience and advanced certifications.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are recommended or required to dive the HMS Acheron (Stern Section)?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive to a depth of 41 meters, advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, along with a Wreck Diver specialty, would be highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck explorations.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the HMS Acheron (Stern Section) dive site. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.