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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS Amazon dive site?
The HMS Amazon dive site has a maximum depth of 57 meters. This deep wreck offers an exciting challenge for divers exploring the waters off Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of wreck features and marine life can divers expect to see on the HMS Amazon?
Divers exploring the HMS Amazon can expect to encounter the remains of a 57m x 11m sloop vessel, built in 1865 of teak on an iron frame. Notable features include its four boilers, operating at 30-32 PSI, and horizontal single expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging is diving the HMS Amazon wreck, and what makes it a difficult dive?
Diving the HMS Amazon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Its maximum depth of 57 meters is a primary factor contributing to this classification, requiring divers to have appropriate training and experience for deep wreck exploration.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Amazon for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMS Amazon. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resources.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Amazon wreck?
Given the HMS Amazon's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 57 meters, divers would typically need advanced certifications for deep and wreck diving. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely explore such challenging sites.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the HMS Amazon dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility conditions at the HMS Amazon dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date reports.