HMS Grenville - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Grenville, a G-class destroyer sunk in 1940, offers a proper deep dive experience off the Lizard. We love this wreck not just for its history, but for how it’s become a living reef. She lies broken but still recognisable, spread across the seabed at around 48 metres. Dropping down, you feel the chill of the deep, then the ghostly outline of the ship emerges – a bow here, a stern section further on. The current can be brisk, so pick your slack water carefully; it’s not a site for the inexperienced. What you'll see down there is a testament to the sea reclaiming its own. Conger eels peer out from dark crevices, their heads thick as your arm. We’ve found huge spider crabs scuttling over the plating, and the occasional anglerfish, perfectly camouflaged against the rust. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into the twisted metalwork, imagining the ship in her prime. If you’re comfortable with decompression diving and love a piece of naval history, the Grenville is a must.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.650000, 2.283333
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Kentish Knock East

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 Grenville

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 Grenville

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