AMBASSADRICE - Cornwall & Devon

The Ambassadrice, lost back in 1895, isn't a deep dive, but what she lacks in depth, she makes up for in atmosphere. We love diving a wreck where you can really feel the history, and this schooner delivers. She’s broken up now, scattered across the seabed near Creux Mahie, but the bones of her still offer great exploration. You’ll find her timbers and hull plates forming nooks and crannies that have become homes for all sorts of critters. Look for spider crabs scuttling over the older timbers and conger eels peeking out from darker sections of the wreck. The light filters down beautifully on a sunny day, illuminating the kelp that sways over the wreck, making the whole scene feel quite ethereal. It's a fantastic site for newer wreck divers or those who prefer longer bottom times to really take in the details. Go on a slack tide; it makes navigating the fragments much more pleasant.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.428165, -2.344111
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - AMBASSADRICE

Year Sunk
1895
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Ambassadrice, a classic schooner from the age of sail, was lost to the treacherous waters of the Channel Islands in March 1895. These islands are notorious for their immense tidal ranges, ferocious currents, and hidden reefs, a combination that has claimed countless vessels over the centuries. The Ambassadrice met her fate near Creux Mahie on Guernsey, becoming another victim of the unforgiving maritime environment that defines the region.

Lying at a depth of 0 meters, the remains of the Ambassadrice offer a unique opportunity for exploration without the need for scuba gear. At low tide, portions of her hull and structure are exposed, allowing maritime history enthusiasts to walk among the wreckage. For snorkelers and those on a shallow shore dive at high tide, the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, with the ship's timbers now fully integrated into the rocky seabed. It serves as a tangible reminder of the power of the sea and the perils faced by sailors in the 19th century.

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 AMBASSADRICE

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 AMBASSADRICE

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