COMMANDANT MARCHAND - Cornwall & Devon

The *Commandant Marchand*, a French steam trawler, met its end in 1930, running aground on the Manacles Reef. Now, it’s less a wreck and more a scatter of metal, lying in just a meter or two of water. We wouldn't send you here with a full twin-set, but for a snorkel or a shallow shore dive on a calm day, it's a fascinating look at history and how the sea reclaims its own. What you'll find here is a jumble of hull plates, engine parts, and twisted girders. We love how the kelp forests have grown over everything, creating little hiding spots for wrasse and crab. Look closely, and you'll spot snakelocks anemones swaying gently, their green tentacles catching the sun. It’s a site for the curious, for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a reef evolving from a disaster. Go at high tide for the best visibility; the sand can kick up quickly if there’s any surge. It's a proper British wreck experience, just without the decompression.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.411034, -3.136267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Penarth Coast

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 COMMANDANT MARCHAND

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 COMMANDANT MARCHAND

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