MARIE MARGUERITE (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the Marie Marguerite is a proper Cornish adventure, one we often talk about over a pint afterwards. Dropping to 46 metres, this isn't a dive for the faint-hearted, but the reward is a beautiful, intact sailing vessel that truly tells a story. We love tracing the deck, imagining her final moments, and seeing how the ocean has embraced her. The stern is our favourite spot, often shrouded in a shoal of pout, their eyes reflecting torchlight. You can peer into the holds, sometimes finding conger eels lurking in the shadows, or a solitary lobster waving its feelers from a crevice. The auxiliary engine is still there, a solid testament to her past life, and the visibility, while typically Cornish (meaning, prepare for green), often gives you just enough scope to appreciate her sheer scale. It’s a dive that suits experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current; often best timed for slack water on a neap tide for the most comfortable exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.611465, -0.345517
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Marine Protected Area: Kingmere

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 MARGUERITE (POSSIBLY)

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 MARGUERITE (POSSIBLY)

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 for diving at the Marie Marguerite underwater museum?
The Marie Marguerite wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, has a typical diving depth of 46 meters. Our current data describes it as a historical wreck, not an underwater museum or sculpture park. This depth classifies it as a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and sculptures can divers expect to see at the Sainte-Marguerite underwater eco-museum?
Our information for the Marie Marguerite dive site describes it as a historical sailing vessel wreck, not an underwater eco-museum or sculpture park. Therefore, we do not have specific details regarding sculptures at this particular site. Divers can typically expect to see marine life common to historical wrecks in United Kingdom waters, which often includes various fish species and invertebrates colonizing the structure.
How challenging is the diving at the Marie Marguerite eco-museum, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the Marie Marguerite wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 46 meters and intermediate rating, it is generally not suitable for beginners. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certification for such conditions.
What is the best time of year or day to visit the Sainte-Marguerite underwater museum for optimal diving conditions?
Our current data for the Marie Marguerite wreck does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, you might consult our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information on conditions.
Do I need a specific scuba diving certification to dive at the Marie Marguerite underwater sculpture park, or is snorkeling sufficient?
Diving the Marie Marguerite wreck, with its depth of 46 meters and intermediate difficulty, requires specific scuba diving certification beyond basic open water. Snorkeling would not be sufficient for this site due to its depth and the nature of the dive. Divers should hold certifications appropriate for deep wreck diving.
What are the typical water currents and visibility like at the Sainte-Marguerite Island dive site?
Our available data for the Marie Marguerite wreck does not include specific details on typical water currents or visibility. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather and tides in the Cornwall & Devon area. It is always advisable to check local dive reports and consult with dive centers before planning your dive.