HMS PRIMROSE - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Primrose isn’t about big fish. It’s about history, cold water, and the quiet satisfaction of touching something that’s been down there for centuries. Lying in a relatively sheltered spot near the Manacles, this 1807 sloop met its end in rough seas, and parts of it are still remarkably intact at just 15 metres. We love dropping onto the scattering of timbers, feeling that chill water, and imagining the storm that drove her onto the rocks. You’ll find plenty of conger eels tucked into the larger sections of hull, and the site is usually thick with dogfish and gobies darting between the frames. For us, the joy here is in the exploration, peering into crevices, and seeing how the ocean has reclaimed the structure. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for those days when the deeper wrecks are too challenging, and it offers a tangible connection to Cornwall's maritime past. Bring a good torch and take your time; the details are what make this wreck special.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.047000, -5.050133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 PRIMROSE

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 PRIMROSE

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