HMS Scylla, wreck - Cornwall & Devon

The Scylla, sunk intentionally in 2004, has truly found its place on the seabed off Whitsand Bay. It’s no longer just a ship; it’s a living reef, which is exactly what we love about it. Dropping down, the sheer scale of the frigate is impressive, sitting upright and mostly intact at 22 metres. We often find the bridge area and helicopter deck are the most popular spots, drawing divers into the nooks where schools of pollack hang motionless, almost posing for a photo. Exploring the various levels, you’ll spot plumose anemones carpeting the superstructure, their tentacles waving gently in the mild current. We’ve seen quite a few colourful wrasse darting between the deck plates, and if you take it slow, you might even catch a glimpse of a shy conger eel peeking from a pipe. Visibility can be a bit variable here, as with many UK sites, so we always suggest checking the local conditions before heading out. It’s a cracker of a dive for beginners, offering easy penetration points and plenty of external features to explore without going too deep. It truly shows how quickly nature reclaims things.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.330600, -4.254300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Rame Head & Whitsand Bay

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 Scylla, wreck

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 Scylla, wreck

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