HMS CROCODILE - Cornwall & Devon

HMS Crocodile, well, you’re not really diving a wreck, more exploring an archaeological site. At just 3m, it’s a perfect shore dive for anyone who loves history and doesn't mind a bit of a scramble to get in. We love it because even though it’s smashed up, it’s still undeniably a ship. You’ll find ribs sticking up like skeletal fingers from the seabed, sometimes a big anchor, and always plenty of cannonballs scattered around. The beauty of Crocodile is in the details, the stories these fragmented timbers tell. Look closely and you’ll spot small crabs scuttling between the ballast stones, and blennies peeking out from under iron fragments. It’s not about big fish or colourful corals; it’s about touching a piece of 18th-century naval history, imagining the fog that brought her down on Prawle Point. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day with good visibility after a spring tide has moved some sand around. It’s a gentle exploration, a mindful dive, and surprisingly rewarding for its shallow depth. Just watch your footing on the entry.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.201430, -3.722843
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 CROCODILE

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 CROCODILE

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