HMS DARK GLADIATOR

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

West of Wight-Barfleur

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 DARK GLADIATOR 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 57m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The HMS Dark Gladiator isn't a dive for the casual enthusiast, but for those who love deep, challenging wrecks, it’s a proper expedition. We’re talking 57 metres, so twin-sets and proper trimix training are non-negotiable. What you get for the effort is a remarkably intact patrol boat, sitting upright on the seabed. It was sunk as a target, so don't expect a lot of personal effects or a dramatic backstory, but the structure itself is fascinating. Visibility here can swing wildly; on a good day, you'll see the whole 20-metre length clearly, and the dark shape resolves itself from the gloom as you descend. Our favourite part is the bow section; it's still quite pointed, and you can imagine it cutting through waves. Over the decades, the superstructure has softened under a thick carpet of plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the faint current. Look closely and you’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and sometimes a ling or a conger eel has made a home in the engine room. This isn't a dive for the faint-hearted, but for technical divers who appreciate a substantial, deep wreck in UK waters, it's a very rewarding trip.