MEANDROS (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Meandros* is one of those wrecks we talk about in hushed tones, a proper deep dive that really rewards the effort. Sunk in 1934, this ex-Williston steamship sits upright at 49 metres, a vast, dark shape emerging from the murk. We love exploring her enormous triple expansion engine, the cylinders looming out of the gloom, and the three huge boilers that still look ready to fire up. The sheer scale is what gets you here; at 122 metres long, you could spend a dozen dives just getting to know her outline. Visibility can be a real gamble in this part of the world, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, you’ll see conger eels peering from every crack and crevice, their thick bodies wrapped around the decaying metalwork. Dead man’s fingers coat the plates, and small pollock dart through the superstructure. Our tip? Plan for slack water, it’s a long way down and the currents can be fierce. This is a dive for experienced wreck heads, definitely not one for your first deep foray. Bring a good torch, a sense of adventure, and plenty of bottom time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.365100, -1.083917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

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 MEANDROS (POSSIBLY)

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 MEANDROS (POSSIBLY)

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 Meandros dive site?
The Meandros dive site, a fascinating steamship wreck, is found at a depth of 49 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience. You can learn more about this specific dive site at Meandros (Possibly).
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Meandros?
The Meandros dive site is primarily a wreck dive, featuring the remains of a 122.1m x 15.8m steam ship vessel that sank in 1934. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. Divers can explore the structure of this historic vessel, including its three boilers and triple expansion engine.
How difficult is the Meandros dive site, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
The Meandros dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 49 meters, it is not suitable for all certification levels and requires divers to have advanced training and experience in deep diving. Divers should ensure they meet the necessary qualifications for such a challenging wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Meandros for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Meandros for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, you might consult our When to Dive section for broader seasonal insights.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at Meandros?
Given its intermediate difficulty and a depth of 49 meters, the Meandros dive site requires specific scuba diving certifications and experience levels. Divers should possess advanced training, such as deep diver certification, and sufficient experience with similar challenging wreck dives. This ensures safety and enjoyment while exploring this historic steamship.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Meandros dive site?
The provided data for the Meandros dive site does not include information regarding usual current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip to this United Kingdom wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before diving.