wreck

Log This Dive

TIA MARIA

Okay, let's talk about the Tia Maria. Forget deep blue expeditions; this one’s for the shallows, a true intertidal adventure. She’s a converted lifeboat, went down just off Minehead Harbour in '76, and now rests barely a metre deep. We’ve visited a few times, timing it with a decent low tide, and it’s always a proper scramble over the rocks to get to her. What we love about the Tia Maria isn't her size – she's just under 10 metres – but how accessible she is. You can literally snorkel right over her, often with bits of her superstructure breaking the surface at the lowest tides. Expect to see a lot of green, with sea lettuce and kelp draped over the hull, and quite a few crabs scuttling in the crevices. Small blennies dart in and out, and the odd small pollock might cruise by. It's a great spot for photographers keen on natural light and macro, or just a relaxed explore for anyone who appreciates a bit of local maritime history without needing a full dive kit. Just be mindful of the incoming tide; it comes in fast here.