MAUD MARY - Cornwall & Devon

The Maud Mary isn't one of those big, deep wrecks that demands a lot of planning. This is an entirely different beast, and frankly, we love it for being so accessible. She’s a sailing vessel that ran aground, and now sits in just a meter of water. Yes, a meter. That means it’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, or even just a very shallow scuba dive when you fancy something different. What you get here is a chance to intimately explore a wreck, almost like an archaeological dig. Her timbers are exposed, softened by decades of saltwater, and absolutely covered in juvenile fish. We’ve seen blennies darting between the frames and anemones clinging to every surface. The light plays beautifully through the shallow water, illuminating the rust-coloured wood and the green algae. It’s a gentle, serene dive, ideal for those days when you just want to potter about and observe the smaller details. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility and to see the wreck fully submerged, even if just barely. It’s a wonderful place to just slow down and appreciate the history beneath your mask.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.642242, -1.922203
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Studland Cliffs

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 MAUD MARY

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 MAUD MARY

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