HMS WARWICK - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Warwick is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you, a proper deep dive that’s well worth the effort. Lying at 55 metres, she’s a destroyer, torpedoed by U-413 in 1944. We love how intact she is, especially given her age and the trauma she went through. Descending, you can often feel the slight chill of the thermocline before the wreck even comes into view, then slowly, the dark shape emerges from the gloom. The Warwick rests upright, largely in one piece, which is always a treat. You can trace her lines from bow to stern, spotting where her four-inch guns would have sat, though they’re long gone now. Our favourite bits are around the midships, where the structure is a bit more broken, creating nooks and crannies for life to hide. Expect to see plenty of conger eels, often peering out from pipes or under plates, and big ballan wrasse darting through the superstructure. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it's good, seeing the full profile of this wartime casualty is genuinely moving. This is definitely one for experienced technical divers, comfortable with the depth and potential currents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.499218, -5.422283
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Kelsey Head

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 WARWICK

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 WARWICK

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

What is the maximum depth of the HMS Warwick Deeping dive site?
The maximum depth of the HMS Warwick dive site is 55 meters. This makes it a deeper wreck dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS Warwick Deeping wreck?
Based on the provided data, divers can expect to see the structural remains of the HMS Warwick, a destroyer vessel built in 1917. Notable historical artifacts include its three boilers, steam turbines, twin shaft, four 4-inch guns, two 2 PDR guns, and six 21-inch torpedo tubes. The data does not specify particular marine life at this site, but you can explore general marine life information.
How challenging is the HMS Warwick Deeping wreck dive, and is it suitable for intermediate divers?
The HMS Warwick wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 55 meters, it is suitable for divers who have appropriate training and experience for deeper wreck diving.
When is the best time of year and tidal condition to dive the HMS Warwick Deeping for optimal visibility and safety?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving the HMS Warwick for visibility and safety. For general guidance on planning dives, you can consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the HMS Warwick Deeping?
While specific certifications are not listed in the provided data, given the HMS Warwick's maximum depth of 55 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need advanced or technical diving certifications. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training for deep wreck diving environments.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the HMS Warwick Deeping dive site?
The provided data does not include information on the typical current conditions or visibility at the HMS Warwick dive site. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions before planning their dive.