HMS INVINCIBLE - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Invincible is one of those sites that just feels significant. Lying in just 5 metres, it’s a tangible piece of naval history, a rare 18th-century warship wreck. We’ve always been drawn to the stories these sites tell, and Invincible’s tale of a fouled anchor and jammed rudder, just before setting sail for Canada, really sticks with you. Diving here is less about deep exploration and more about a close look at history. The timbers are scattered across the seabed, but you can still make out the sheer scale of the ship. We love picking out cannon ports and sections of the hull, imagining the sheer effort that went into building her. The shallow depth means ambient light is excellent, even on a cloudy day, picking out the colours of the kelp and anenomes. You’ll find plenty of crabs tucked into crevices and schools of pollack weaving through the structure. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace, letting you really absorb the atmosphere. We’d suggest a slack tide for the best visibility, allowing you to trace the lines of the wreck unimpeded. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate history and don’t mind a shallower profile.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.739468, -1.038400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Sinah Common

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 INVINCIBLE

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 INVINCIBLE

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