HMS BOXER - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Boxer, lying flat on the seabed at 16m, is a fantastic dive for anyone keen on exploring a piece of naval history without the challenge of extreme depths. We particularly love her because she’s not just a pile of plates; you can still make out the distinct destroyer shape. Her bow and stern sections are largely intact, giving you a real sense of her scale, even a century after her collision with the *Ambulance Transpo*. We usually drop in and head straight for the twin shafts, which are surprisingly well-preserved, often shrouded in a shimmer of juvenile pollock. The boilers are a prominent feature mid-ship, now home to some impressively large conger eels – we’ve seen heads poking out that were thicker than a diver’s thigh. Look closely among the twisted metal for nudibranchs, especially the lemon variety, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the grey steel. While visibility can be a bit hit or miss in the English Channel, the Boxer’s relatively shallow depth means you often get enough light to really appreciate the structure and the way life has reclaimed it. It's a proper wreck dive, perfect for those moving beyond just looking at reefs.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.629833, -1.107033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Bembridge Down

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 BOXER

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 BOXER

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 Boxer dive site?
The HMS Boxer dive site has a maximum depth of 16 meters. This makes it a relatively accessible wreck dive for those with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMS Boxer?
Divers exploring the HMS Boxer can expect to see the remains of a 61m x 5.8m destroyer vessel, built in 1894. Key features include its four boilers, triple expansion engines, twin shaft, and remnants of its original armament, which included one 12-pounder and five 6-pounder guns, plus two torpedo tubes. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species over time.
Is the HMS Boxer wreck dive suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered an advanced dive?
The HMS Boxer wreck dive is classified as an intermediate dive, making it unsuitable for beginner divers. Its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" further emphasizes that divers should possess adequate experience and training for such an environment.
What are the best times or conditions to dive the HMS Boxer wreck for optimal visibility and calmer waters?
The provided data does not specify the best times or conditions for optimal visibility and calmer waters at the HMS Boxer wreck. For general guidance on seasonal conditions and planning your dive, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Boxer wreck?
Given that the HMS Boxer is classified as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification, with specialized wreck diving training highly recommended. Always ensure you have the appropriate certifications and experience for challenging wreck environments.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the HMS Boxer dive site?
The provided data for the HMS Boxer dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current conditions or visibility. Divers should always check local dive reports and conditions immediately prior to their dive.