MOIDART - Cornwall & Devon

The Moidart wreck always feels like a proper dive into history. We love it because it’s a bit of a time capsule, sitting upright at 33 metres. Dropping down onto her, you can almost feel the chill of the North Sea in 1918. Her bow points east, stern west, and the whole structure is remarkably intact considering she was torpedoed. You can still make out the cargo holds, now home to some seriously chunky conger eels that peer out from the gloom. The sheer scale of the wreck means you’re never short of something to investigate. We often spend our time exploring the deeper sections around the stern, where you’ll find the propeller shaft and rudder. Look for the huge schools of bib and pollack darting through the superstructure, and if you’re lucky, a curious grey seal might just pop by for a look. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration rather than a quick swim-through, perfect for those who appreciate wrecks with a real story to tell and don't mind the deeper depths.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.567017, -2.788133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Marine Protected Area: West 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 MOIDART

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 MOIDART

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 is the maximum depth for diving the Moidart wreck, and what are the typical depths encountered?
The maximum depth for diving the Moidart wreck is 33 meters. As this is a wreck dive, divers can expect to encounter depths up to this maximum while exploring the vessel.
What specific marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see when exploring the Moidart?
The Moidart is a steam ship vessel, built in 1878 and sunk in 1918, measuring 74.1m x 9.8m. Divers can explore the substantial remains of this historic wreck, which was torpedoed by UC-77. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging is the Moidart dive site, and is it considered suitable for experienced or advanced divers?
The Moidart dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that while it may be suitable for experienced divers with appropriate training, caution and proper planning are essential.
What is the best time of year and optimal tidal conditions for diving the Moidart wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving the Moidart wreck. For detailed information on seasonality and tides, we recommend consulting local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon or checking our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to safely dive the Moidart, given its depth?
Given the Moidart's maximum depth of 33 meters and its intermediate difficulty, a certification such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent is typically required or highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training for deeper dives and potential wreck exploration.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Moidart dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility at the Moidart dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date reports on these conditions.