MEAN MACHINE - Cornwall & Devon

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Mean Machine, even if she is just a little speedboat. Lying flat on the seabed at a comfortable 10 metres, this isn't a dive for exploring vast holds, but it’s a brilliant training ground for new wreck divers and a genuinely fun second dive. You’ll find her off Plymouth, usually requiring a boat trip out, but once you’re down, the visibility is often surprisingly good for the UK – sometimes 8 to 10 metres on a calm day. What we love about the Mean Machine is how much life she supports for such a small wreck. The whole structure is encrusted with plumose anemones, their feathery tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. Look closer, and you’ll spot gobies darting in and out of the crevices, and sometimes a grumpy crab peering out from under a fragment of hull. It’s a great spot for macro photography, or just simply enjoying a relaxed dive without the pressure of strong currents. Our favourite trick is to look for the tiny nudibranchs that graze on the hydroids near the stern – they’re often overlooked but always worth the search. Perfect for a chilled-out afternoon, especially if you’ve had a deeper, more challenging dive in the morning.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.763910, -1.114788
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 MEAN MACHINE

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 MEAN MACHINE

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