HMS PIGMY - Cornwall & Devon

HMS Pigmy isn't a deep dive, that's for sure. At a paltry two metres, it's more of a snorkel or a free-dive, but don't let the shallows fool you. This wreck, a former French vessel captured and renamed, holds a quiet history. She went down in 1805, caught on the Grunes aux Dardes reef in St Aubins Bay, and what’s left is scattered but atmospheric. We love exploring the spread of timbers, feeling the slight pull of the tide around your fins as you weave through the fragments. You won't find huge schools of fish here, but the smaller stuff thrives. Look for blennies peeking from crevices, crabs scuttling under planks, and anemones clinging to the barnacle-encrusted wood. It’s a gentle exploration, perfect for a calm day when the sun can really penetrate the water and light up the wreckage. Our favourite time to visit is on a slack tide, otherwise, you're fighting a bit too much current to appreciate the stillness of the site. It’s a subtle beauty, more about history and the small victories of marine life than dramatic coral or pelagics.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.152890, -2.154111
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 PIGMY

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 PIGMY

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS PIGMY dive site?
The HMS PIGMY dive site has a maximum depth of 2 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for divers looking for a unique wreck experience in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMS PIGMY?
The HMS PIGMY is a cutter vessel, measuring 24.4m x 7.9m, offering a fascinating wreck exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, divers can expect to observe typical local species that inhabit shallow wrecks in the Cornwall & Devon area. The wreck itself, classified as dangerous, presents an intriguing historical structure to explore.
How challenging is diving the HMS PIGMY wreck, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the HMS PIGMY is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While the depth is very shallow at 2 meters, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests potential hazards that require more experience than a beginner might possess. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the HMS PIGMY for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons to dive the HMS PIGMY for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for typical regional weather patterns.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS PIGMY?
Given the HMS PIGMY is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. It is always wise to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for specific requirements and recommendations before planning your dive.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the HMS PIGMY dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details regarding typical currents or visibility conditions at the HMS PIGMY dive site. Divers planning to visit this site in Cornwall & Devon should inquire with local dive centers for up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.