HMS Isis - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Isis, an I-class destroyer sunk in 1944, gives you a proper slice of wartime history off the Lizard. This isn't one of those wrecks that's just a pile of plates. She's broken, of course, but there's enough structure left to make a dive feel like an exploration. We love dropping down onto her main deck, often finding a big conger eel peering out from beneath a twisted bulkhead. The bow section is particularly engaging, with some of the torpedo tubes still identifiable, encrusted now with dead man's fingers coral and hydroids that sway in the gentle surge. Visibility here can be typical for the Channel, sometimes 5 metres, sometimes 15, so pick your day. Slack water is key for a relaxed rummage around her holds, which are now home to spider crabs and blennies. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the story behind the metal and don't mind a bit of a current if the rewards are there. We'd suggest a good dive light to really pick out the details in the darker recesses and to spot the jewel anemones that cling to the deeper sections.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.450000, -0.616667
Type
wreck

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 Isis

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 Isis

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