MATELDA - Cornwall & Devon

Matelda. What a name for a wreck, eh? This isn't your average deep-sea exploration, given she's practically sunbathing on the rocks between Grève de Lecq and Plemont. We love Matelda for its sheer accessibility and the way she’s been slowly reclaimed by the sea. Sunk in 1875, this cutter vessel is now less a ship and more a series of barnacle-encrusted ribs and planks, a skeleton picked clean by time and tide. You’ll want to visit Matelda at low tide, ideally on a calm day. The water’s usually cool here, even in summer, so a decent wetsuit is a good idea. We’ve spent hours here just watching the shallow-water life weave through the exposed timbers. It's a real nursery, full of juvenile wrasse, scuttling crabs, and anemones clinging to every surface. The light plays beautifully through the clear, shallow water, highlighting the green and brown algae that coats the remaining structure. It's not a deep dive, obviously – more of a snorkel or a very shallow free dive, but the sense of history, combined with the vibrant rock pool ecosystem, makes it a surprisingly engaging experience. Our favourite thing is finding the small, bright gobies darting between the cracks. Perfect for anyone who loves exploring intertidal zones and wants a tangible piece of maritime history right under their nose.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.255280, -2.211667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 MATELDA

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 MATELDA

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