HMS VIPER - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Viper wreck, tangled among the rocks off Alderney, is a surprisingly engaging dive for such a shallow site. We're talking just 4m here, which means incredible bottom time and great light penetration on a sunny day. She was a torpedo boat destroyer, a cutting-edge vessel for her time, and it’s a bizarre feeling to drift over history so close to the surface. What’s left of her is spread out, a jumble of metal plates and twisted girders that tell a story of a ship that ran aground during maneuvers in 1901. We love exploring the scattered pieces, imagining the chaos that must have ensued. Even with the limited structure, there's a real sense of history. Because it’s so shallow, the light really plays across the seabed, highlighting the anemones and small crabs that have colonised the metalwork. You'll find plenty of wrasse darting in and out, and we’ve spotted small schools of pollock congregating around the larger sections. It’s a perfect site for newer divers looking for their first wreck experience, or anyone who just wants a relaxed, long dive with a bit of historical intrigue. The easy depth means photographers get fantastic natural light, too.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.737217, -2.275550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 VIPER

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 VIPER

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