HMS AMAZON - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the HMS Amazon is a proper expedition, and we love it for that. She’s deep, sitting at 57 metres, so this one’s for the experienced technical divers who know their gas planning. Built in 1865, this sloop was a marvel of teak on an iron frame, and though she sank in 1866, her bones still hold strong. Dropping down, you start to feel the sheer scale, the iron ribs forming shadowed archways that fusiliers dart through. The visibility can be a bit of a lottery, but on a good day, the structure resolves slowly out of the green, hinting at her former grandeur. We always find ourselves drawn to the engine room, picturing the four boilers that once powered her. Look closely at the hull plating, often festooned with jewel anemones, giving bursts of colour against the dark metal. It’s a quiet, humbling dive, a real journey into Victorian naval history, and a stark reminder of the ocean’s power. Bring your best torch; there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.257450, -2.980833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
57m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 AMAZON

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 AMAZON

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