ADA MARY
Protected Area
Selsey Bill and the Hounds
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ADA MARY offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 10°C.
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.
Typical ADA MARY Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 10°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
ADA MARY Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ADA MARY
Dive shops near ADA MARY
Sussex Diving & Leisure
Mulberry Marine Experiences CIC
In2 Diving
Abyss Scuba School
Ocean View
Andark Diving
Reviews for ADA MARY
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ADA MARY
ADA MARY Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ADA MARY, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (50.61, -4.86) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
9.63°C
49°F
Air Temperature
17.09°C
63°F
Wind Speed
6.66 m/s
12.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1015.6 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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