MATILDA - Cornwall & Devon

The Matilda is one of those Cornish wrecks that just grabs you. We often find ourselves drawn back to her. She’s a sailing vessel, built of wood, which means she’s broken down a fair bit since she went down in 1928, but that only adds to her charm. You’ll find her scattered across the seabed at 16m, her timbers spread out like fallen dominoes, draped in dead man’s fingers and hydroids. Swimming over the remains, you can still pick out the ribs and some of the hull structure. It’s a great spot for navigating through the debris, trying to imagine her as a whole ship. We love poking around the bits where the auxiliary paraffin engine would have been, a real glimpse into early hybrid propulsion. Look closely and you’ll spot velvet crabs scuttling amongst the growth, and conger eels often peek out from under the larger planks. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we’d suggest aiming for slack water on a neap tide for the best experience. It's a gentle dive, perfect for those who enjoy exploring history on the seabed without deep diving demands.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.695988, -5.080245
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Arfordir Penrhyn Angle / Angle Peninsula 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 MATILDA

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 MATILDA

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 range for diving at the Matilda dive site?
The Matilda dive site offers a typical depth of 16 meters. As a specific wreck site, divers can expect to explore the remains of this historic sailing vessel at this depth. For more details on this fascinating wreck, visit the Matilda dive site page.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Matilda?
Divers at Matilda will primarily explore the fascinating features of a historic wreck. The site is the remains of a 25m x 6.2m wooden sailing vessel, built in 1870 and sunk in 1928, offering a unique glimpse into maritime history. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided context, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species. You can learn more about general marine life in the region on our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Matilda dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Matilda dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not suitable for absolute beginner divers who have only just completed their open water certification. Divers should have some experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at the Matilda dive site for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Matilda dive site, such as specific visibility or water temperatures, is not provided in the current data context. We recommend checking local dive operators or our general when-to-dive guide for broader seasonal advice for the region.
Are there any specific dive certifications required to explore the Matilda dive site?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed, given that Matilda is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a dangerous wreck, it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and ideally a Wreck Diver specialty certification. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and training to safely navigate and explore such a site.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions encountered at the Matilda dive site?
Details regarding the usual current and visibility conditions encountered at the Matilda dive site are not provided within the available data context. Divers planning to visit this site should consult with local dive centers or guides for up-to-date information on these conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.