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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for scuba diving at Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site?
We do not have specific depth information for the Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site in our current data. However, for the MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, the maximum depth for diving is 2 meters. This shallow wreck is classified as a dangerous wreck.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Malus Island - Marney Bay?
Unfortunately, our current data does not contain specific information regarding marine life or coral formations at the Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site. We also do not have details on marine life for the MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) wreck site. For general information on marine species, you might explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving at Malus Island - Marney Bay, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
We do not have specific difficulty level information for the Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site in our current records. However, for the MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, the difficulty is rated as intermediate. This suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginners due to the nature of wreck diving, especially considering its classification as a dangerous wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive at Malus Island - Marney Bay for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data does not provide information on the best time of year, optimal conditions, or visibility ranges for the Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site. Similarly, such details are not available for the MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) wreck site. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at Malus Island - Marney Bay?
We currently do not have specific information regarding required scuba diving certifications for the Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site. Our data also lacks details on certifications for the MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) wreck site. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate training and experience for any dive, especially for wreck dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility ranges at Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site?
Unfortunately, our current data does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility ranges for the Malus Island - Marney Bay dive site. This information is also not available for the MALLENY (OR MALLENEY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon. Always check local dive reports and conditions before planning your dive.