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