23m
    Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    The Needles

    HMS ALBION II

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    The Needles

    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 ALBION II 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 23m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Typical HMS ALBION II Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m23m max~30 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

    Depth of 23m - Advanced Open Water 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.

    Today06:2317:2511h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:40

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS ALBION II

    HMS ALBION II Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS ALBION II, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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