HMS DELIGHT - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Delight is deep, and we mean properly deep, but what a dive. Dropping onto her at 57 metres, you’re hitting the limit for most recreational trimix divers, so this is one for the serious technical crowd. She’s a D-class destroyer, bombed and sunk by German aircraft in 1940, and lies upright, mostly intact. We love how her huge turbines and quadruple shafts are still visible, a testament to her speed. You’ll weave through the skeletal remains of her superstructure, picturing the chaos of that day. Her gun emplacements are still there, silent sentinels, and the torpedo tubes are a highlight, giving you a real sense of her offensive power. Visibility here can be surprisingly good, but even on an average day, the sheer scale of the Delight is impressive. Look closely, and you’ll find plenty of plumose anemones clinging to the metalwork, their white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle current. This is a dive that demands respect, but for experienced wreck enthusiasts, it’s an absolute privilege.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.201390, -2.292778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
57m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 DELIGHT

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 DELIGHT

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the HMS Delight wreck dive?
The HMS Delight wreck lies at a significant depth of 57 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the HMS Delight wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Delight can expect to encounter the remains of a D-class destroyer, measuring 73.5m x 10.2m. This steam ship vessel, sunk in 1918, still features elements like its 4 x 4.7 inch and 3 x 1 inch guns, and 8 torpedo tubes, offering a fascinating glimpse into its naval history.
What is the difficulty level of diving the HMS Delight wreck, and is it suitable for all divers?
The HMS Delight wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 57 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is not suitable for all divers and requires advanced training and experience.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Delight for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMS Delight wreck. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Delight wreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed in the data, the HMS Delight wreck's intermediate difficulty and depth of 57 meters strongly suggest the need for advanced or technical diving certifications. Divers should possess qualifications such as PADI Deep Diver, TDI Advanced Nitrox, or equivalent, along with wreck diving specialty training, to safely explore this site.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the HMS Delight dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility conditions at the HMS Delight dive site. Divers are advised to consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.