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