MARIE DES ISLES - Cornwall & Devon

The *Marie des Isles* is a classic Channel wreck, plain and simple. We love that it’s sitting upright on a sandy seabed, almost exactly as she settled back in '80, making for a really satisfying dive. You drop down onto the wheelhouse, which is still largely intact, before you start exploring the decks. There are some great penetration opportunities into the holds if you’ve got the right training and gear – just remember it's a tight squeeze in spots. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss here; aim for neap tides and slack water for your best shot at seeing more than a few metres. What really makes the *Marie des Isles* special, though, is the sheer amount of life that has moved in. Ballan wrasse dart in and out of every nook and cranny, and the deck plating is absolutely carpeted with plumose anemones, swaying gently in the current. Look closely amongst the debris and you’ll often spot massive spider crabs hunkering down. It’s a proper dive into a working vessel, now a thriving artificial reef, and our pick for anyone who appreciates the history of these old trawlers, provided you're comfortable with the depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.468216, -3.278267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Lyme Bay and Torbay

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 MARIE DES ISLES

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 MARIE DES ISLES

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