5m
    Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    Portsmouth Harbour

    HMS CHARDE

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Portsmouth Harbour

    Why dive here

    With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS CHARDE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded
    Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 5m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The HMS Charde isn't about deep exploration; it's a shallow, fascinating glimpse into history. Sitting upright at a mere five metres, this drifter vessel is surprisingly intact for a ship sunk after a collision in 1940. We love how accessible it is, making it perfect for newer wreck divers or those wanting a relaxed second dive. You can trace the deck, pick out the ribs of the hull, and imagine the chaos of that June day. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in British waters, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure. Our favourite moments here are spotting the resident crabs scuttling over the decaying metalwork and watching the schools of juvenile pollack darting between the beams. It’s a site that proves you don’t need extreme depths for an engaging wreck dive; sometimes, the stories just below the surface are the best ones. Just be mindful of tidal flow, it can pick up quickly here.

    Typical HMS CHARDE Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today06:2117:2311h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:38

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS CHARDE

    HMS CHARDE Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS CHARDE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    17°C

    62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C

    Air Temperature

    13°C

    56°F

    Wind Speed

    8.14 m/s

    15.8 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1011 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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