MENOLIOS - Cornwall & Devon

Menolios, for us, is one of those sites that just feels right for a certain mood. You're not going deep here, not even close, with a max depth of 2 metres. It's a wreck, yes, but more like a scattering of history right below the surface. We love it for a relaxed potter, perhaps after a more challenging dive, or when you just want to feel the sun on your back. What you'll find here is the skeletal remains of a cargo ship, broken up but still very much recognisable as a wreck, even if it's mostly ribs and plates now. The shallow water makes everything vivid. Sunlight dances on the rusted metal, and the whole scene is covered in a tapestry of seaweeds – the greens and browns moving gently with the swell. You'll spot crabs scuttling amongst the metal, blennies peering from crevices, and small schools of pollack often cruise through the shadows cast by the larger pieces. It’s an ideal spot for macro photography, or just enjoying the slow pace of life on a shallow wreck. Keep an eye on the tides though; it's much calmer on a neap tide, and you get better visibility then too.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.662260, -0.686494
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Selsey, East Beach

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 MENOLIOS

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 MENOLIOS

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