MEKNES - Cornwall & Devon

The Meknes, a liner from a bygone era, is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you. Dropping down to 57 metres, she sits upright and largely intact, a real time capsule. We love the scale of her, 126 metres long, you can spend an entire dive exploring just one section and still not see it all. The torpedo blast that sank her in 1940 is still visible, a dramatic scar. Inside, the holds are surprisingly open in places, creating darkened chambers where conger eels lurk, and we’ve even seen huge anglerfish camouflaged against the rust. This isn't a beginner's wreck; it's deep and requires good dive planning and a steady hand. The sheer volume of fish life, though, is incredible. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, with sunlight filtering down, the shoals of pollock and whiting that swirl around her bridge are mesmerising. Our favourite part? The stern. The propellers are still there, massive and barnacle-encrusted, a testament to her past life as a passenger ship. It’s an absorbing dive, best suited for experienced wreck divers who appreciate history and a healthy dose of marine residents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.190420, -2.228972
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
57m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 MEKNES

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 MEKNES

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 diving depth at Meknes dive sites?
The Meknes dive site, a fascinating wreck, has a typical diving depth of 57 meters. This depth makes it suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in deeper dives. You can explore more about diving in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Meknes?
Divers exploring the Meknes can expect to encounter the impressive underwater features of a liner vessel wreck, sunk on July 24, 1940. This substantial wreck measures 126.2m x 16.8m and is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, offering a unique historical dive experience. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How would you rate the difficulty level for scuba diving in Meknes, suitable for beginners or advanced divers?
Diving at the Meknes wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is not suitable for beginners and requires divers to have a good level of experience and appropriate certifications for deeper wreck dives. Always ensure your skills match the dive conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Meknes for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Meknes wreck. Divers planning a trip to United Kingdom should research local seasonal weather patterns and sea conditions for when to dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Meknes?
Given the Meknes wreck's depth of 57 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties to safely and effectively explore this site. Always ensure your training aligns with the demands of such a challenging dive.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions like at Meknes dive locations?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical water currents or visibility conditions at the Meknes dive site. Divers planning to explore this significant wreck in Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for up-to-date reports on these environmental factors.