MEDINA - Cornwall & Devon

The Medina, off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those big, deep wrecks that really gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a proper expedition dive, a chance to explore a piece of history that’s largely untouched. This passenger liner, sunk in 1917, now lies broken but still recognisable at 60 metres. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the sheer scale of the ship: the massive hull plates, the ribs of what were once elegant decks. Visibility can be a gamble, as it often is in the UK, but on a good day, the Medina is astounding. Shoals of bib and pouting hang in the shadowy interiors, and we’ve seen conger eels the size of small tree trunks peeking out from behind collapsed bulkheads. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers, no doubt about it. You need to be comfortable with depth and overhead environments if you want to properly explore. Our favourite part is navigating the twisted metal, feeling that sense of discovery as you round a corner and find another section of the ship. It’s a challenging dive, but the reward is immense – a silent, grand dame of the sea, reclaimed by the Atlantic.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.207085, -3.537517
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 MEDINA

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 MEDINA

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