HMS HAVICK - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Havick isn't about deep exploration or crazy drifts. This wreck, resting at a comfortable 7 metres, is pure history, made accessible. What we love about the Havick is its story – a captured Dutch sloop, eventually lost to a gale in 1800. You can practically feel the struggle as you fin over the scattered remains. It’s an easy dive, perfect for extending bottom time and really soaking it all in. We often find ourselves just hovering, peering into the shadows cast by the larger timbers. Expect to see plenty of pollack darting through the structure, and if you’re patient, a few inquisitive wrasse will usually come to check you out. The metalwork is draped in dead man’s fingers and hydroids, blurring the lines between man-made and natural. We'd suggest aiming for a slack tide on a sunny day; the light penetration at 7 metres really brings out the colours of the anemones and allows for some great photography. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, or just a relaxing second dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of maritime heritage.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.169000, -2.144667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

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 HAVICK

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 HAVICK

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