HMS TIGER - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS *Tiger* isn't for the faint of heart, dropping to 51 meters, but if you've got the training, it’s a proper dive. We love the history here; she was an early destroyer, sunk in a collision in 1908. Down there, the *Tiger* feels like a ghost from another era, upright and surprisingly intact for her age, with parts of the bow and stern still well-defined. Visibility can be a real gamble off the Lizard, but on a good day, the silhouette of the wreck emerges from the deep blue like a dark leviathan. We always look for the twin triple-expansion engines, a really grand sight, and the prop shafts are still there, hinting at her speed. It’s dark down there, even on a sunny day, so good lights are essential to peer into the deeper sections. Keep an eye out for conger eels – they’ve made a cosy home in the engine room and can be huge. We've seen some monsters. This is a deep technical dive, but for those with the experience, it offers a real connection to naval history and some serious exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.283950, -1.351415
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: Wight-Barfleur Reef

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 TIGER

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 TIGER

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

How deep is the HMS TIGER shipwreck for divers?
The HMS TIGER shipwreck is located at a depth of 51 meters. This depth makes it suitable for experienced divers with appropriate training and equipment.
What marine life and historical remnants can be seen when diving the HMS TIGER?
When diving the HMS TIGER, divers can explore the historical remnants of this destroyer vessel, which was sunk on April 2, 1908. Key features include its three Normand boilers and two triple expansion engines, totaling 6400 HP. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems; you can learn more about common species in the region via our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the HMS TIGER wreck?
The HMS TIGER wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests that divers should have some experience and appropriate certifications for deeper wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS TIGER for good conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the HMS TIGER for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our when-to-dive section.
Are there any specific dive certifications needed to explore the HMS TIGER?
While the data does not explicitly list specific certifications, diving the HMS TIGER at 51 meters and an intermediate difficulty level typically requires advanced training. Divers should possess certifications suitable for deep wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What are the typical currents and visibility at the HMS TIGER dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility at the HMS TIGER dive site. Divers planning to visit should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.