HMS BITTERN - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Bittern is a proper challenge, a deep wreck for technical divers who appreciate a bit of history along with their deco stops. Lying at 55 metres, she’s a destroyer from 1897, sunk in 1918 after a collision. We think she's a fantastic example of a Victorian-era warship, beautifully preserved by the cold, dark English Channel. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing to materialise from the gloom, still quite proud, with the torpedo tubes a particular highlight further along the deck. You can really get a sense of her original form, the structure solid despite over a century on the seabed. We’ve found the stern section to be especially interesting, often draped in dead men’s fingers, which glow softly under a dive light. Look out for conger eels here, they love the darker recesses. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the Channel, but on a good day, when a little light penetrates, the sheer scale of the wreck is impressive. This is one for experienced divers who are comfortable with depth and overhead environments, offering a tangible connection to naval history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.303000, -3.001050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

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 BITTERN

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 BITTERN

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 BITTERN dive site?
The maximum depth of the HMS BITTERN dive site is 55 meters. This makes it a deeper wreck dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see on the HMS BITTERN?
Divers exploring the HMS BITTERN can expect to encounter the remains of a 'C' Class destroyer, built in 1897 by Vickers and sunk in 1918. The wreck, measuring 64.3m x 6.7m, features two triple expansion engines, one 12PDR gun, five 6PDR guns, and two torpedo tubes. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not provided in the current data.
How challenging is the HMS BITTERN dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The HMS BITTERN dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. Given its depth of 55 meters, divers should possess advanced certifications and experience with deep wreck diving.
What are the optimal times or seasons to dive the HMS BITTERN for the best conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the optimal times or seasons to dive the HMS BITTERN for the best conditions. We recommend checking local dive reports or contacting a dive center in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on conditions.
What diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the HMS BITTERN wreck?
To safely dive the HMS BITTERN wreck, which reaches a depth of 55 meters and is rated as intermediate difficulty, advanced diving certifications are highly recommended. Divers should ideally have deep diving and wreck diving specialties, along with experience in similar conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the HMS BITTERN dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the HMS BITTERN dive site. For current conditions and visibility forecasts, it is best to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon.