GEORGIOS MARKETTOS (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Georgios Markettos, or at least what we strongly suspect is her, sits deep off the Cornish coast. Dropping down to 53 metres, this is one for the technical divers, no question. We love the challenge of this dive, descending into that cool, green water, knowing you're heading for something seriously old. The wreck herself, an 88-metre steamship, is largely broken but still holds enough structure to feel like a proper wreck dive. You’ll find the two massive boilers standing proud, often shrouded in schooling bib and pollack, a real visual treat when the light catches them. Inside the engine room, if you can navigate the silt, there's a triple-expansion engine waiting to be explored. We'd suggest checking the tides meticulously here; even a slight current at the surface can mean a serious drift at depth. This site suits experienced divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a depth challenge for the reward of a classic British wreck. It's a deep dive that feels like a journey back in time, the metal framework now completely part of the seabed.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.498817, -5.064900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: Castlemartin 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 GEORGIOS MARKETTOS (PROBABLY)

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 GEORGIOS MARKETTOS (PROBABLY)

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 range for diving at the Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site?
The Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site is located at a depth of 53m. This makes it a deep dive, requiring advanced certifications and experience. Divers should be prepared for conditions typical of such depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Georgios Markettos (Probably)?
Divers exploring the Georgios Markettos (Probably) can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel. This 88.4m x 11.6m wreck, sunk in 1917, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine, providing a fascinating historical underwater landscape. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine species over time.
How challenging is the Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 53m, it is certainly not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess advanced certifications and experience in deep wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Georgios Markettos (Probably) for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend checking our When to Dive section or consulting local dive centers.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site?
Due to the Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site's intermediate difficulty and significant depth of 53m, advanced diving certifications are certainly required. Divers should possess deep diving certification and ideally specialized wreck diving training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions encountered when diving at Georgios Markettos (Probably)?
Our current data for the Georgios Markettos (Probably) dive site does not provide specific details on usual current and visibility conditions. For the most current and accurate information regarding conditions in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend contacting local dive centers directly.