HMS LORD SNOWDEN
Protected Area
The Manacles
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 LORD SNOWDEN offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Lord Snowden isn't for the faint of heart, or for those new to deep wreck diving, but for experienced technical divers, this is a belter of a site. At 59 metres, the former anti-submarine trawler sits upright on the seabed, remarkably intact despite her collision sinking in 1942. We love that you can still make out the outline of her bridge structure and the stern section, which often features a resident conger eel or two peeking from plates. Dropping down, the visibility in this part of the Channel can be surprisingly good on a slack tide, sometimes pushing 15 metres, which really lets you appreciate the sheer scale of the Snowden. The bow, in particular, is a dramatic sight, often shrouded in schooling bib and pollack, flashing silver as your lights hit them. We'd suggest focusing on the midships and stern; the internal spaces are tight but rewarding for careful exploration. Just remember, this is a "dangerous wreck" for a reason – respect the depth and plan your deco well. It’s a deep, challenging dive, but the sense of history and the sheer presence of the wreck make it an incredible experience.
Typical HMS LORD SNOWDEN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 59m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to HMS LORD SNOWDEN
Dive shops near HMS LORD SNOWDEN
Porthkerris Divers
DiveUK
Seaways Diving
Karleyth Diving Ltd.
Viewpoint Diving Centre
Wavecrest Scuba
Reviews for HMS LORD SNOWDEN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS LORD SNOWDEN
HMS LORD SNOWDEN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS LORD SNOWDEN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
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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