MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) - Cornwall & Devon

Malleny, or Malleney, sits low on Tusker Rock, a sombre reminder of that October night in 1886. At just two metres deep, it's less a deep exploration and more a shallow archaeological stroll, perfect for a long snorkel or a gentle dive when the tide is high and calm. We find its accessibility incredibly charming; you can spend ages poring over the scattered timbers without worrying about narcosis or deco limits. What remains of the 62-metre sailing vessel is strewn across the seabed, a jumble of ribs and hull plates colonised by the resilient life of the Cornish coast. Look for the glint of wrasse darting between the rusted ironwork, and the patient sway of kelp fronds, providing cover for velvet swimming crabs. It’s not about grand swim-throughs here; it’s about the quiet contemplation of history, feeling the gentle surge over the wreck, and appreciating the surprising density of small creatures clinging to every surface. This site is our pick for anyone who loves history and the simple joy of an unhurried shallow dive, particularly good on a sunny, slack tide day.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.460230, -3.651717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Merthyr Mawr

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 MALLENY (OR MALLENEY)

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 MALLENY (OR MALLENEY)

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