HMS CHARDE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.817234, -1.118123
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Portsmouth Harbour

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 CHARDE

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 CHARDE

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