HMS SAVAGE - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, HMS Savage. Let's be upfront: this isn't a deep dive. At a maximum of one metre, it’s practically a snorkel, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. We love the Savage because it's a window into maritime history, right there on the shoreline. You're looking for the exposed timbers of a sloop, sunk back in 1762, scattered around Roundham Head. It’s essentially a very shallow archaeological site. We've spent many an hour here, finning slowly over the sand, tracing the outline of her 22.6m length. What you see are the sturdy oak frames, dark with age, some still standing proud enough to break the surface at low tide. This is a site that changes with the light and the tide; on a calm, sunny day, the visibility lets you pick out every detail of the distributed remains. You'll find crabs scuttling amongst the timbers, blennies peeking out from crevices, and small shoals of fish darting in and out of the shadows cast by the wreck. It’s a gentle exploration, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the textures of history or anyone who appreciates the quieter side of wreck diving, where observation takes precedence over penetration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.430576, -3.553423
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Roundham Head

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 SAVAGE

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 SAVAGE

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