MAD MOMENT
Protected Area
West of Wight-Barfleur
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) - MAD MOMENT offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Mad Moment isn’t about huge pelagics or vibrant corals, let’s be clear. This is a classic UK wreck dive, one we really enjoy for its character and accessibility. She’s a small yacht, just under 8 meters, which means you can really get to grips with the whole site on a single dive. Dropping down, you’ll find her upright on the seabed at 60m, often with decent visibility for the area, maybe 10-15 meters on a good day. We love how the deckhouse has collapsed, creating little swim-throughs and overhangs for lobsters and conger eels. Look closely and you’ll spot jewel anemones coating the railings, adding splashes of colour to the rust. We’d suggest a slow, methodical circuit, peering into every crevice. The site is best on a slack tide, which makes it less of a workout and more about discovery. While the depth means it’s one for experienced technical divers, it’s a brilliant introduction to deeper wreck diving without the complexity of a larger vessel. It’s not a thrill-a-minute dive, but it’s a satisfying exploration of a small piece of maritime history, now a vibrant home for local marine life.
Typical MAD MOMENT 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 60m 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.
Reviews for MAD MOMENT
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MAD MOMENT
MAD MOMENT Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MAD MOMENT, 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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