MARIA ASUMPTA - Cornwall & Devon

The Maria Asumpta, off Pentire Point, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She’s an old girl, built way back in 1858, a three-masted barque that met her end in 1995. We love how much of her remains; you can really get a feel for her scale at 37.5 metres long. Her bow points west, often catching the last rays of sun filtering through the water. Diving the Asumpta, you drop onto her deck and immediately notice the mast sections lying across the hull. The stern is probably our favourite part, with the propeller and rudder still in place – a dramatic sight as the current tugs at your fins. Schools of pollack often swirl around the broken deckhouses, darting in and out of the shadows. Look closely at the ribs of the hull, now draped in dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones. The engine room is accessible for those with the right training, and inside, the two large oil engines are still largely intact, a testament to her last journey. This is a dive that suits those with a bit of wreck experience, comfortable with depths down to around 30 metres, and who appreciate a wreck with a real story. The visibility here can vary wildly, so pick a calm day with an incoming tide for the best chance of a clear run.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.587210, -4.936066
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Pentire Peninsula

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 MARIA ASUMPTA

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 MARIA ASUMPTA

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 Maria Asumpta shipwreck?
The Maria Asumpta shipwreck is listed with a depth of 0m, indicating it is located at the surface. This makes it accessible for various activities, though typical scuba diving usually involves greater depths. For more information on this unique site, visit the Maria Asumpta dive site page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Maria Asumpta dive site?
Divers exploring the Maria Asumpta dive site can expect to encounter the remains of a historic sailing vessel, built in 1858. This impressive wreck, measuring 37.5m x 7.6m, is classified as a wreck showing a portion of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life details are not provided in the data, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems over time.
How difficult is the Maria Asumpta dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Maria Asumpta dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should possess the necessary skills and confidence for intermediate-level conditions to safely explore this historic wreck in Cornwall & Devon.
What is the best time of year to dive the Maria Asumpta for good visibility and conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at the Maria Asumpta dive site is not provided in the current data. General guidance for diving in the United Kingdom often suggests warmer months for potentially better conditions. For broader advice on planning your dives, you can consult our When to Dive resource.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Maria Asumpta?
Given the Maria Asumpta dive is rated as intermediate difficulty, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or have equivalent experience. This ensures divers possess the skills and knowledge required to safely navigate the conditions and explore the wreck. Always ensure your certification level matches the dive's demands.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Maria Asumpta dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details about the typical current and water conditions at the Maria Asumpta dive site. While the wreck was struck by rocks in a NW wind, this does not describe typical diving conditions. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and conditions before planning a dive at this Cornwall & Devon wreck.