HMS DETERMINEE (EX LA DETERMINEE) - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Determinee, once the French La Determinee, offers a genuinely unique piece of history just below the surface. We love this site for its accessibility and the sheer weight of its story. It’s a shallow dive, barely 5 metres, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed potter, but don't let the depth fool you into thinking it's boring. What remains of the 24-gun frigate, wrecked in 1803, is spread across a rocky seabed off Noirmont Point. You’ll find timbers, cannon, and scattered artefacts, often half-buried in the sand. We’ve spent hours here, meticulously sifting through the shingle, imagining the chaos of its final moments. The wreck is a haven for the usual Cornish suspects – wrasse darting between the frames, spider crabs scuttling over corroded metal, and sometimes a curious dogfish peeking from under a deeper crevice. It’s not a vibrant coral garden, but the green and brown hues of the kelp swaying over history have their own stark beauty. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day when the light penetrates right to the bottom, illuminating the ghostly remains. Just remember to check the tides; strong currents can make the dive less enjoyable, and we prefer a slack water entry for the best experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.152890, -2.186889
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 DETERMINEE (EX LA DETERMINEE)

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 DETERMINEE (EX LA DETERMINEE)

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