ADA MARY - Cornwall & Devon

The Ada Mary isn't about depth or big pelagics, it’s about accessibility and history. Resting in just two metres of water, this barge, scuttled back in '58, is perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even a snorkel on a calm day. We love how the shallow depth lets sunlight flood the wreck, illuminating the structure and the surprising amount of life that's made it home. You'll spend your time exploring the skeletal remains of the hull, perhaps finning through a hatch or two if the tide is right. Look closely, and you'll spot crabs scuttling amongst the plates, blennies peeking from crevices, and anemones clinging to every available surface. It’s a fantastic spot for macro photography, especially when the sun is high and those shallow shadows really pop. Our tip: go at slack tide for the clearest views and easiest navigation around the exposed sections. It’s a great confidence builder for newer divers looking for their first wreck experience, or simply a chilled-out dive when you don't fancy a long boat trip.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.679474, -0.813982
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ADA MARY

Year Sunk
1958
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Little is recorded about the final moments of the barge Ada Mary, which sank on October 15, 1958. Barges are the workhorses of the waterways, and their loss, while significant to their owners, often goes unheralded. What is known is that she now rests in the shallow waters off the coast of Cornwall or Devon, where she has become a unique feature of the seabed. The wreck is noted for having a visible mast or masts, an interesting feature for a vessel of this type.

The Ada Mary is an exceptionally accessible wreck, sitting in just 2 meters of water. This makes it an ideal site for novice divers, training dives, or even snorkelers on a calm day. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a wreck in bright, sunlit conditions, allowing for long, relaxed bottom times and close observation of the marine life that has made the simple barge its home.

Marine Protected Area: Selsey Bill and the Hounds

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 ADA MARY

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 ADA MARY

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