MILO - Cornwall & Devon

The Milo, an old steamship that went down in 1917, now rests at 50 metres, making it a good one for technical divers or those comfortable with deeper dives in the UK. We’ve found her to be quite intact, with the bow often standing proud of the seabed, giving you a real sense of her scale. You can usually make out the two boilers and triple-expansion engine, which are always a highlight, drawing in various crabs and lobsters who’ve made the wreck their home. Visibility can be hit or miss, as with much of Cornwall, but on a clear day, she’s a genuinely atmospheric dive, an accessible piece of history for those willing to go deep.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.365715, -2.086117
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 MILO

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 MILO

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at Milos dive sites, and are there options for both shallow and deeper dives?
The MILO wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, is a deep dive site with a typical depth of 50m. This depth is ideal for divers seeking a challenging exploration of a historic steamship. The provided information focuses on this specific wreck and does not detail options for shallower dives in the immediate vicinity.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see when diving around Milos Island?
The provided data for the MILO wreck in Cornwall & Devon does not specify the marine life or underwater formations divers can expect to see. Divers will primarily explore the impressive structure of the 73.3m x 10m steamship wreck, which sank in 1917. For general information on marine life in the region, you can consult our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites in Milos, and are there suitable options for beginner and advanced divers?
The MILO wreck in Cornwall & Devon is classified as having an intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its depth of 50m. This makes it a suitable challenge for experienced divers interested in wreck exploration. While not ideal for beginners, advanced divers will appreciate the opportunity to explore this historic steamship.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Milos for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for the MILO wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. We recommend checking with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date seasonal advice. For general information on dive seasons, please refer to our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive in Milos, and are there options for uncertified divers?
Given the 50m depth and intermediate difficulty of the MILO wreck, divers will typically need advanced certifications, such as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, often with a deep diving specialty. This challenging wreck dive is not suitable for uncertified divers. Always ensure you possess the appropriate training and experience for deep wreck explorations.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like at Milos dive sites?
The provided data for the MILO wreck does not specify typical underwater currents or visibility conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on these factors, we recommend contacting local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon. Always check current conditions before diving this 50m deep wreck.