HMS HIND - Cornwall & Devon

HMS Hind isn't a deep dive, not by a long shot. In fact, it’s barely a dive at all, more of a snorkel or a paddle at low tide, sitting in just one metre of water on Hinguette Reef. But don’t let that put you off. What you lose in depth, you gain in historical resonance and accessibility. We love coming here with a mask and fins on a calm day, just after slack low water, when the sea is clear and the sun filters through the surface. You’re essentially exploring the skeletal remains of an 18th-century sailing vessel, wrecked due to a pilotage error back in 1721. The timbers are still there, surprisingly intact in places, a dark silhouette against the sandy bottom. You can trace the outline of the hull, feeling the rough texture of the ancient wood. Our favourite part is spotting the crabs scuttling amongst the frames, and the small shoals of pollack that dart in and out of the shadows cast by the timbers. It’s a powerful, tangible link to maritime history, a quiet, reflective spot that suits anyone who appreciates a wreck with a story, even if you’re only getting your knees wet.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.152332, -2.128556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

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 HIND

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 HIND

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