HMS Coronation - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Victory wreck isn't about deep blue visibility, let's be clear. You're diving history here, a 1737 first-rate ship of the line, and that means a whole lot of scattered timber, cannons, and ballast in often murky, sometimes green water. We love it because it’s a proper archaeological dive, more about discovery than pristine corals. You’ll spend time peering into the gloom, picking out the distinct shapes of cannon barrels and heavy timbers, imagining the scale of the ship that once rested here. The site is spread across the seabed, so it rewards methodical exploration, really slowing down and looking closely. Conger eels are a regular sight, lurking in crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large Atlantic cod patrolling the periphery. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: curled octopuses sometimes peek from under a timber, and the various rocklings flit between the wreckage. It’s not a site for everyone – if you need vibrant colours and 30-metre visibility, this isn't your spot. But for those who appreciate the tangible link to maritime history, and who don’t mind a bit of a low-visibility challenge, the Victory is absolutely fascinating. Our tip? Go with a guide who knows the site well, they’ll point out features you might otherwise swim right over.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.316666, -4.183333
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rame Head

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 Coronation

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 Coronation

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