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