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