HMS WATERLILY - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Waterlily is a personal favourite for a reason. Sitting upright at 37 metres, this old wooden drifter is surprisingly intact, considering she’s been down since 1915. You can still make out her lines, the bow sweeping up from the seabed and the stern settling gently into the sand. We love dropping down and finding the deck, feeling the cool current pull us slowly along the length of her. Look for the single boiler standing proud midships, a dark, ghostly presence that’s become a home for conger eels and squat lobsters. Schools of bib often swirl around the superstructure, flashing silver in your torch beam. This isn’t a deep penetration wreck, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore externally. Her wooden hull is covered in plumose anemones, creating a soft, feathery carpet that billows with the surge. It’s a beautiful dive, a real slice of history brought to life by the marine growth. Ideal for experienced divers comfortable with the depth and cooler UK waters, we’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to really appreciate the details without fighting the current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.520416, -1.878133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 WATERLILY

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 WATERLILY

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 typical depth of the HMS Waterlily dive site?
The HMS Waterlily dive site typically reaches a depth of 37 meters. This makes it a fascinating dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the HMS Waterlily?
The HMS Waterlily is a drifter vessel, built of wood in 1907 and sunk on July 23, 1915. Divers can expect to explore the remains of this 25.9m x 5.6m wreck, which includes a boiler and compound expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract a variety of local species.
How difficult is the HMS Waterlily dive, and is it suitable for intermediate divers?
The HMS Waterlily dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty. This makes it suitable for divers who have achieved an intermediate certification level and are comfortable with its typical depth of 37 meters.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Waterlily for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the HMS Waterlily for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the HMS Waterlily?
Given the HMS Waterlily dive's intermediate difficulty and depth of 37 meters, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent are typically recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the HMS Waterlily dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current or visibility conditions at the HMS Waterlily dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive.