MINERVA (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Minerva, or at least what we’re pretty sure is the Minerva, sits in 43 metres off the Lizard, a proper deep dive for those comfortable with the colder, darker UK conditions. She went down in 1917, torpedoed on a trip from Caen to Swansea, and now she’s a scattered but really interesting wreck. We love the way the two boilers still stand proud, giving you a real sense of her scale, even with the rest of the hull broken up around them. Dropping down, the visibility can be variable here, but on a good day, the light filtering through the green water makes for some moody exploration. You’ll find plenty of conger eels making their homes in the twisted plates and pipes, and jewel anemones splash colour across the darker metal. Our favourite part is nosing around the debris field, where you often spot lobsters tucked into crevices. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to really get the most out of exploring the structure.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.493600, -2.756617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 MINERVA (PROBABLY)

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 MINERVA (PROBABLY)

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 diving depths at Minerva Reefs, and are there any particularly deep dive sites like blue holes?
The Minerva (Probably) dive site, a fascinating wreck, offers a typical diving depth of 43m. This site is a deep wreck dive, not a reef system, so you won't find blue holes here. It provides an exciting challenge for divers comfortable with deeper explorations.
What kind of marine life and underwater features, such as corals or wrecks, can divers expect to see at Minerva Reefs?
At the Minerva (Probably) dive site, divers can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a steam ship wreck. This vessel, the EX-MAIRE, was built in 1864 and sunk in 1917, measuring 55.5m x 7.6m. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging are the dive sites at Minerva Reefs, and are there options suitable for both beginner and experienced divers?
The Minerva (Probably) dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. With a depth of 43m, it is best suited for experienced divers rather than beginners. This makes it a rewarding dive for those with appropriate training and comfort in deeper environments.
When is the best time of year to visit Minerva Reefs for diving, considering weather conditions and marine life activity?
The provided data for the Minerva (Probably) dive site does not include information regarding the best time of year to visit, specific weather conditions, or marine life activity. For general guidance on dive seasons and conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Minerva Reefs, especially for deeper or more exposed sites?
Given the Minerva (Probably) dive site's depth of 43m and its intermediate difficulty rating, advanced certifications like Deep Diver are highly recommended. This ensures divers possess the necessary training and experience to safely and confidently explore such a deep wreck.
What are the typical current and water conditions, including visibility and surge, that divers might encounter at Minerva Reefs?
The provided data for the Minerva (Probably) dive site does not contain specific information about typical current, water conditions, visibility, or surge. Divers should always consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.