MONTE MORO - Cornwall & Devon

Monte Moro is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving, even at its shallow depth. We love how the steamship has settled, broken but not scattered, making it perfect for a leisurely explore. Dropping down, you'll spot the two huge boilers first, standing proud from the seabed like silent sentinels. They’re a real magnet for schooling pollack, often so thick you can barely see the metal underneath. Our favourite part is poking around the bow and stern sections; the holds are still surprisingly intact. You’ll weave through the metal skeleton, often finding velvet swimming crabs scuttling in the shadows or conger eels peeking out from behind a twisted beam. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at 14m, so your bottom time feels generous, letting you really soak in the history and the marine life that has made this iron hulk its home. Look for the way the light filters through the broken plates on a sunny day – it’s quite ethereal. We'd suggest going on a slack tide for the best visibility; a gentle current can kick up a bit of sediment, but it’s rarely strong enough to be an issue.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.225487, -4.002290
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: Hele, Samson's and Combe Martin Bays

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 MONTE MORO

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 MONTE MORO

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