MARY ROSE - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the *Mary Rose* isn't about deep exploration. This is shallow water history, perfect for a long bottom time, particularly if you're into something a bit different. What's left of the ship, which capsized in 1545 during a skirmish with the French, is scattered, not a proud intact hull. Think more archaeological site than full wreck penetration. We're talking timbers, cannon, and various artefacts, all now integrated into the seabed. Visibility can swing wildly here. Some days you'll have 10 metres, sunlight shafts illuminating the ancient oak. Other days, it's a silty few metres and you’re navigating by feel. It’s worth aiming for slack water, always. That’s when the silty seabed is least disturbed. Shoals of bib and pouting will drift through the gloom, and you’ll find plenty of crabs and lobsters tucked into the nooks and crannies of the scattered remains. It’s a gentle dive, suited to newer divers or those who prefer something less demanding, but still packed with historical intrigue.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.763065, -1.104450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Browndown

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 MARY ROSE

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 MARY ROSE

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 the Mary Rose wreck site?
The typical depth for diving the Mary Rose wreck site is 9 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers.
What can divers expect to see at the Mary Rose wreck site today, given the main hull was raised?
While the main hull of the Mary Rose was raised, divers can still explore the distributed remains of this historic military vessel. The site offers a unique opportunity to connect with a significant piece of naval history, a ship that was 53.3m long and capsized in 1545.
How challenging are the diving conditions at the Mary Rose site?
Diving conditions at the Mary Rose site are classified as intermediate difficulty. This means divers should have some experience beyond basic certification to comfortably explore the wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive the Mary Rose for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Mary Rose. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Mary Rose wreck site?
While no specific certification is explicitly listed, the Mary Rose dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, divers should possess a certification level that equips them for such conditions, typically beyond an Open Water Diver certification.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Mary Rose dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical currents or visibility at the Mary Rose dive site. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should always check local conditions closer to their dive date.