KAREN MARIE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.367252, -3.234564
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 KAREN MARIE

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 KAREN MARIE

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