MACLAREN - Cornwall & Devon

The Maclaren, sitting at 17 metres, feels like a proper piece of history down there. We love a good wreck with a story, and this steamship, mined in 1941, definitely delivers. The visibility can be a bit hit or miss in the UK, but on a good day, the wreck structure is quite clear, with sections of hull plates and machinery poking out of the seabed. It’s not a huge wreck, so you can take your time, exploring the ribs and framework now beautifully colonised by plumose anemones – their white polyps a stark contrast against the dark metal. Dogfish often tuck themselves away in the nooks, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large crabs scuttling over the debris. It’s an easy dive for anyone comfortable with temperate water, making it a solid choice when you’re in the area and fancy a proper wreck dive without excessive depth. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to really appreciate the wreck without fighting the current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.355183, -3.288783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Barry Island

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 MACLAREN

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 MACLAREN

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