HMS MINSTER - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Minster, an old netlayer sunk by a mine in 1944, sits at a depth of 6m, making it incredibly accessible and a genuinely engaging dive. We think it’s our pick for a leisurely explore, especially if you’re keen to spend some real time getting to know a wreck. Even at this shallow depth, the size of the Minster, at 67.5m long, still feels substantial, and you can trace her outline easily. We particularly love the way the light filters through the green water, illuminating the wreck’s skeletal remains. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, with a bit of sunshine, you’ll find sections of the hull festooned with plumose anemones, their white tentacles gently swaying. Look into the shadows of the twisted metal, and you’ll often spot crabs scuttling or an inquisitive dogfish peeking out. It's an excellent site for photographers wanting to capture both the history and the vibrant, cold-water marine life that has made the Minster home. Just be mindful of the currents, which can pick up, making slack water your friend here.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.458240, -1.080394
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 MINSTER

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 MINSTER

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