HMS PRINCESS
Protected Area
Exmoor
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS PRINCESS offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Princess isn’t some grand warship, but that’s precisely why we love her. She was a requisitioned yacht, sunk in 1940 after a collision, and now she sits upright at a very manageable 23 metres. For a UK wreck, she’s in remarkably good shape. We always find ourselves drawn to the stern, where the prop is often still visible, a little encrusted but unmistakably there. What really gets us about the Princess is the sheer density of fish. Pollack dart in and out of the superstructure, and if you take it slow, you’ll spot scorpionfish tucked into crevices. The deck is carpeted in jewel anemones, flashes of orange and pink against the muted steel. It’s a proper rummage, with plenty of small compartments to peer into, though penetration is best left to those with proper training and equipment. It’s a cracking dive for anyone comfortable with UK conditions and keen on seeing a bit of history come alive with marine growth.
Typical HMS PRINCESS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 23m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS PRINCESS
HMS PRINCESS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS PRINCESS, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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