KAREN MARIE
Protected Area
East of Start Point
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) - KAREN MARIE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Karen Marie is a proper deep wreck, sitting bolt upright at 49 metres off Plymouth. This isn’t one for the casual diver, but for those with the training, it’s a genuinely rewarding dive. We love that she’s so intact, a 30-metre fishing vessel that went down in 1979, and you can still make out the wheelhouse, the mast, and the winches on deck. The sheer size of the conger eels here is astounding; we’ve seen some that look like small logs, thick and confident, peering out from every nook and cranny. Visibility can be hit or miss in the English Channel, so picking a day with slack tide and settled weather is key to enjoying this one. We’d suggest a strong torch, not just for peering inside the wheelhouse, but for bringing out the vibrant colours of the jewel anemones that carpet the metalwork. It's a real adventure for technical divers looking for a slice of history and some truly impressive marine residents.
Typical KAREN MARIE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 49m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for KAREN MARIE
KAREN MARIE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for KAREN MARIE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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