HMS Vindictive - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Vindictive, sitting off the Cornish coast, is one of those wrecks that just grabs you. We love her because she’s not just a pile of metal, but a proper, explorable vessel with a story etched into every rivet. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often surrounded by a swirling cloud of bib and juvenile pollock. The superstructure is collapsed in places, but you can still make out gun emplacements, and penetration into some of the larger holds is possible for those with the right training and gear – we always recommend a good guide here. What we really enjoy is seeing the way the wreck has become an artificial reef, with plumose anemones blooming across the darker sections and crabs scuttling amongst the plates. The visibility can be variable, as is typical for the UK, but on a good day, the atmosphere is incredible, a real testament to its history and the ocean's reclaiming power. She suits divers who appreciate historical context and enjoy a bit of wreck penetration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.239372, 2.925602
Type
wreck

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 Vindictive

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 Vindictive

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