HMS ALBION II - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Albion II is a proper Cornwall wreck dive, a trawler sitting upright at 23m. We think it’s a brilliant example of how quickly a ship becomes part of the seabed. Built in 1907, she’s been down there since 1916, and the years have turned her into a fantastic artificial reef. What you’ll see here isn't just twisted metal, but a thriving community. Conger eels peer out from dark nooks in the hull, their thick bodies surprisingly placid as you fin past. Lobsters wave their antennae from crevices, and the deck itself is carpeted in jewel anemones, a dazzling splash of colour against the muted steel. Look closely at the superstructure; wrasse dart in and out of the openings, and if you’re lucky, a curious grey seal might just pop by for a look. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and natural reclamation. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, obviously, but also when there’s a bit of sun – the light just picks out those anemones beautifully.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.639160, -1.571229
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

Marine Protected Area: The Needles

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 ALBION II

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 ALBION II

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