MARIE MAGDELINE - Cornwall & Devon

The Marie Magdeline sits deep, a proper expedition dive at 53 metres, and we love it for that challenge alone. This isn't a casual dip; it’s a commitment, but the reward is a tangible piece of history. Sunk by a German U-boat in 1918, she’s a sailing vessel, which means a very different wreck experience than your usual steamship. You won’t find huge boilers or engine rooms here, but rather a more graceful, skeletal structure. Dropping down, the light fades quickly, and the wreck appears, often shrouded in the silty, green-blue water that’s so characteristic of this coast. We’ve found the stern section often holds the most interest, with parts of the wooden hull still identifiable. Look closely, and you’ll see plumose anemones clinging to every surface, waving like delicate white flowers in the current. Ling are common, peering out from beneath collapsed timbers, and we’ve even spotted conger eels snaking through deeper crevices. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet, reflective nature of deep wrecks and the stark beauty of a century-old vessel reclaimed by the sea. Pick a calm day, and be ready for a decompression obligation.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.267143, -4.751101
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: North West of Lundy

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 MAGDELINE

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 MAGDELINE

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