TIA MARIA - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.222160, -3.476232
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Blue Anchor to Lilstock Coast

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 TIA MARIA

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 TIA MARIA

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