MAID OF ORLEANS - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the Maid of Orleans is a proper expedition, a deep, dark plunge into history off the Cornish coast. We’re talking a big steamship, sunk in 1944 on her way back from Normandy, and now she sits upright in 49 metres. That depth means good planning is essential; this isn't a casual dip. We love the sheer scale of her, the way the bridge superstructure rises out of the gloom, draped in plumose anemones. Inside, the machinery spaces are still surprisingly intact. You can fin past the massive turbine engines, imagining the power that once pushed her through the waves. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, but when it’s good, the light penetrating the deck openings is genuinely eerie. Look for conger eels peering from every dark recess, and ling often lurk in the shadowed corners of the cargo holds. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the atmosphere and the challenge. Our best tip? Go on a slack tide, otherwise, it’s a serious workout just to stay put.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.137283, -0.653250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: Dolphin Head Highly Protected Marine Area

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 MAID OF ORLEANS

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 MAID OF ORLEANS

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 is the typical depth range for diving the Maid of Orleans wreck?
The Maid of Orleans wreck is found at a depth of 49 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts, such as the reported depth charges, can divers expect to see on the Maid of Orleans wreck?
Divers exploring the Maid of Orleans wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a 103.9m x 12.8m steam ship, built in 1918 and sunk in 1944. While the wreck itself is a significant historical artifact, specific details about marine life or other artifacts like depth charges are not provided in the current data. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Maid of Orleans dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Maid of Orleans dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is not typically suitable for beginner divers, but rather for those with some experience and appropriate training for deeper wreck dives. Divers should possess the skills and confidence to navigate a 49-meter deep wreck.
What are the optimal seasons or conditions for diving the Maid of Orleans wreck, considering factors like visibility and weather?
The provided data for the Maid of Orleans wreck does not specify optimal seasons or typical conditions such as visibility and weather. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our when to dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Maid of Orleans wreck?
Given the Maid of Orleans wreck's depth of 49 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers will typically need certifications beyond entry-level. An Advanced Open Water certification is a minimum recommendation, with deep diver or wreck diver specialties highly advised to safely explore this site. Proper equipment and training for deeper dives are essential.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions encountered at the Maid of Orleans dive site?
The provided data for the Maid of Orleans dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this 49-meter deep wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on site conditions.