HMS Victory
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS Victory offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Victory wreck isn't about deep blue visibility, let's be clear. You're diving history here, a 1737 first-rate ship of the line, and that means a whole lot of scattered timber, cannons, and ballast in often murky, sometimes green water. We love it because it’s a proper archaeological dive, more about discovery than pristine corals. You’ll spend time peering into the gloom, picking out the distinct shapes of cannon barrels and heavy timbers, imagining the scale of the ship that once rested here. The site is spread across the seabed, so it rewards methodical exploration, really slowing down and looking closely. Conger eels are a regular sight, lurking in crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large Atlantic cod patrolling the periphery. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: curled octopuses sometimes peek from under a timber, and the various rocklings flit between the wreckage. It’s not a site for everyone – if you need vibrant colours and 30-metre visibility, this isn't your spot. But for those who appreciate the tangible link to maritime history, and who don’t mind a bit of a low-visibility challenge, the Victory is absolutely fascinating. Our tip? Go with a guide who knows the site well, they’ll point out features you might otherwise swim right over.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for HMS Victory
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS Victory
HMS Victory Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS Victory, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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