MIZPAH - Cornwall & Devon

The Mizpah, now this is a proper wreck dive, a real piece of history waiting down there. She went down back in 1877, a steamship carrying oranges from Seville, which just adds to her charm. Lying at 60 metres, she's definitely one for the experienced wreckies, the ones who appreciate a deeper dive and the stillness that comes with it. When we visit, the first thing that hits you, after the initial descent through the green, is the sheer scale. She’s remarkably intact for her age, with her bow often the most photogenic part. The stern, where her single boiler and engine would have been, is a jumble of twisted metal, but still offers plenty to poke around in. We especially love the swim-throughs around the midship area, where the original wooden decking has long rotted away, leaving open spaces for exploration. Keep an eye out for conger eels here; they love the dark recesses. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, so we’d always suggest checking local reports, but even on an average day, the sheer history of the Mizpah makes the effort worthwhile. It's a sombre, beautiful dive, a true testament to the sea's power and time's relentless march.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.557278, -0.036554
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 MIZPAH

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 MIZPAH

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

How deep is the MIZPAH dive site?
The MIZPAH dive site is located at a depth of 60 meters. This makes it a challenging dive, suitable for experienced divers with appropriate training for deep wreck exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the MIZPAH?
Divers exploring the MIZPAH can expect to see the remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 47.9m x 6.7m. Key features include its single boiler and a 2-cylinder compound inverted engine. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not available in the current data.
What is the difficulty level for diving the MIZPAH wreck, and is it suitable for all divers?
The MIZPAH wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 60 meters, it is not suitable for all divers and requires appropriate training and experience for safe exploration. It is classified as a non-dangerous wreck.
When is the best time of year to dive the MIZPAH, especially to see Goliath groupers?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the MIZPAH, or specific marine life encounters like Goliath groupers, is not provided in the current data context. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the MIZPAH wreck, particularly if I want to explore inside?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, diving the MIZPAH wreck at 60 meters and its intermediate difficulty level strongly suggest the need for advanced or technical diving certifications. For exploring inside, a wreck diving specialty certification would typically be required, along with appropriate deep diving experience.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the MIZPAH dive site?
The provided data context does not include information on typical currents or visibility conditions at the MIZPAH dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive to this Cornwall & Devon wreck.