HMS ARFON - Cornwall & Devon

The Arfon is one of those wrecks that just delivers. Not just because of her story – a minesweeper sunk by a German mine in 1917, taking ten men with her – but because she’s still so intact. She rests upright on a sandy seabed at 33 metres, her bow pointing northeast. We love how her shape is still so defined, from the stern, where you can still make out the prop shaft and rudder, all the way to the bow section, which rises a good four or five metres off the seabed. Even on a day with average visibility, the Arfon feels substantial. Swimming along the deck, you’ll find plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into, home to conger eels and squat lobsters. Our favourite part is the engine room, which is fairly open and usually swarming with tommy-ruffs and pollack. We’d suggest saving this for a day with good slack water, as currents can pick up around here, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. For divers who appreciate a wreck with a real sense of history and structure, the Arfon is a standout dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.497417, -2.174150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Marine Protected Area: Studland to Portland

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 ARFON

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 ARFON

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

How deep is the HMS ARFON wreck dive?
The HMS ARFON wreck dive reaches a maximum depth of 33 meters. This makes it an exciting exploration for divers comfortable with deeper wreck environments.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMS ARFON?
Divers exploring the HMS ARFON can expect to encounter the remains of a 36.6m x 6.4m trawler vessel, featuring its two boilers, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. As a historical wreck sunk in 1917, it provides a fascinating artificial reef structure, often attracting various local marine species.
What is the difficulty level of diving the HMS ARFON wreck?
Diving the HMS ARFON wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some experience with wreck diving or similar conditions to safely explore this site.
When is the best time to dive the HMS ARFON for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time to dive the HMS ARFON for optimal conditions, such as seasonal visibility or water temperatures, is not available in our current data. We recommend consulting local dive operators or our general When to Dive guide for region-specific advice.
What diving certifications are required to dive the protected HMS ARFON wreck?
Given the HMS ARFON is an intermediate difficulty and classified as a dangerous wreck, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended to safely explore its features and navigate potential hazards.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the HMS ARFON dive site?
Information regarding the typical currents and visibility conditions at the HMS ARFON dive site is not provided in the available data. Divers should always check local conditions with their dive operator immediately before planning their dive.