MADRYN - Cornwall & Devon

We love a good deep wreck, and the Madryn delivers. Lying at 56 metres, this 89-metre steamship is a serious dive, but for those with the training, it’s a real reward. Dropping down, the hull gradually resolves from the blue, a huge shadow on the seabed. She went down in 1918, but a century later, she's still remarkably intact, certainly considering the depth and the often-lively conditions out here. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where the triple-expansion engine and boilers are still very much in evidence. The prop shaft extends proudly, leading to a huge propeller that's a magnet for conger eels, some of them proper monsters. On the deck, you’ll find winches and sections of railing, draped in dead man's fingers and jewelled anemones. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the scale of the Madryn is genuinely impressive. It’s a dive that demands respect, but for experienced technical divers, it’s one of Cornwall’s best deep secrets.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.738300, -5.057883
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: South-West Approaches to Bristol Channel

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 MADRYN

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 MADRYN

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 are the typical diving depths at Madryn's dive sites, including wrecks and natural reefs?
At the MADRYN dive site in Cornwall & Devon, divers can expect to explore a wreck at a depth of 56 meters. This specific site is known for the steam ship vessel that sank in 1918. Information regarding typical depths for other dive sites or natural reefs in the area is not available in the provided data.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Puerto Madryn?
The provided information pertains to the MADRYN wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which is a steam ship vessel sunk in 1918. This data does not include details on marine life or underwater attractions beyond the wreck itself. Unfortunately, specific information regarding marine life and attractions for Puerto Madryn is not available in our current context.
Is diving in Puerto Madryn suitable for beginners, and what are the difficulty levels for different dive sites?
The MADRYN wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is classified with an intermediate difficulty level, primarily due to its depth of 56 meters. We do not have information regarding the suitability for beginners or specific difficulty levels for dive sites in Puerto Madryn within the provided data.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Puerto Madryn for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
Our current data context does not provide information regarding the best time of year to go diving in Puerto Madryn for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our When to Dive section helpful, but specific details for this location are unavailable.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Puerto Madryn, especially for specific sites like wrecks or sea lion encounters?
The provided data for the MADRYN wreck site in the United Kingdom does not specify required scuba diving certifications. Furthermore, we do not have information regarding certifications needed for diving in Puerto Madryn, including specific requirements for wrecks or sea lion encounters. Always ensure you have appropriate training and certifications for the dive conditions and depths you plan to explore.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions divers might experience in Puerto Madryn?
Our current data context for the MADRYN wreck site in Cornwall & Devon does not include details on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Therefore, we cannot provide specific information regarding these environmental factors for Puerto Madryn.