MARGUERITA - Cornwall & Devon

The Marguerita, tucked away in the often-overlooked waters off Cornwall, is one of those wrecks that just makes you smile. It’s barely a dive, really, more a snorkel or a free-dive on a good day. Built in 1919, this old trawler ran aground in 1946 during fierce seas, a tragic loss claiming five lives. What’s left now is a shallow, scattered playground, sitting in maybe two metres of water. We love coming here on a calm day, when the sun can actually pierce the surface and illuminate the broken timbers. You’ll find bits of the hull and superstructure, all well-colonised by local life. Look closely and you’ll spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling amongst the plates and small wrasse darting between the rusty frames. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, perfect for those honing their breath-holding skills or taking underwater photos without the pressure of depth. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where the most identifiable wreckage lies. It’s a poignant reminder of a stormy night, now reclaimed by the sea and its creatures.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.517800, -2.447650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 MARGUERITA

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 MARGUERITA

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