NEW MOSS ROSE - Cornwall & Devon

The New Moss Rose is a strange one, a yacht that went down in shallow water near Plymouth. When we first heard about it, we pictured a modern fibreglass hull, maybe a bit sad, but it’s actually a classic, very wooden, and surprisingly intact for how long it’s been there. At a maximum depth of 2 metres, it’s practically a snorkel site, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's not worth a tank. We love it for the sheer accessibility and the way it brings history right to the surface. You can duck under the waterline, peer into what was once the cabin, or trace the line of the deck where the mast would have stood. The timbers are draped in seaweeds, a mix of frilly reds and greens swaying with the surge, and the light refracts beautifully through the kelp forest that grows around it. Our favourite moments here are watching the juvenile pollack dart through the shadows, and finding the tiny velvet swimming crabs clinging to the old planking. It’s perfect for new divers getting a feel for wreck penetration, or for photographers wanting to play with natural light and historical texture. Just make sure to time your visit with high tide and calm seas for the best visibility.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.754738, -1.243108
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: King's Quay Shore

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 NEW MOSS ROSE

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 NEW MOSS ROSE

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