HMS Prince Leopold - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Prince Leopold, off the coast of Cornwall, feels less like a wreck and more like an archaeological dig in progress. We love how the kelp drapes over the remaining hull sections, swaying with the surge, giving the whole site a wild, untamed feel. It's not a single, intact vessel, rather a scattering of substantial pieces spread across the seabed, testament to the sheer force that broke her apart. Exploring here means finning from one large section of twisted metal to another, often finding curious conger eels peeking from the gloom. The visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for these waters, but on a good day, the light filters through the kelp forest, illuminating bursts of jewel anemones clinging to the darker recesses of the wreck. This site is definitely for those who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims its own, rather than divers seeking perfect coral gardens. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting amongst the debris, they’re surprisingly common here. We think it’s best dived on a calm day, ideally around slack water, to truly appreciate the scale of the wreckage.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.576390, -0.931111
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 HMS Prince Leopold

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 HMS Prince Leopold

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