Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

    HMS Hood

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

    Why dive here

    With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS Hood offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest reef diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded
    Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The HMS Hood wreck isn't about tropical colours. This is a dive steeped in history, a proper glimpse into the past. We're talking about a Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship, down since 1914. It’s deep, which means technical skills are a must, but the reward is immense. Dropping down, the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale. It’s a huge, dark shape emerging from the gloom, often cloaked in the green-grey light typical of UK waters. You can feel the weight of history here. We love exploring the bow section; there’s a real sense of its former power. Currents can be tricky, so pick your day carefully and plan your ascent well. The marine life might surprise you. Forget vibrant coral, think rugged, resilient life. We've seen fat common cuttlefish lurking in the darker corners and decent bass patrolling the structure. Dogfish are common, weaving through the metalwork. Beadlet anemones add splashes of crimson to the otherwise muted palette. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks for their historical significance and the way they become artificial reefs, rather than just fish soup. For us, it’s a profound experience, a silent monument beneath the waves.

    Today06:2617:2811h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:44

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS Hood

    HMS Hood Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS Hood, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    17°C

    62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C

    Air Temperature

    13°C

    56°F

    Wind Speed

    8.14 m/s

    15.8 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1011 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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