ICE PRINCE - Cornwall & Devon

Now, if you’re into serious metal, the *Ice Prince* is our pick for a deeper dive in UK waters. This 131-meter carrier vessel, which went down in 2008, sits upright at 55 meters, making it a proper technical dive and a real test of your deep skills. We love the sheer scale of the thing. Dropping down, the bow looms out of the green, often silty, gloom – it’s a powerful moment, hitting that deck after a long descent. The bridge area, though deep, offers some fascinating penetration opportunities if you’re suitably trained and equipped. We’ve had some incredible dives here, seeing conger eels emerge from collapsed holds and giant jewel anemones clinging to the railings. The visibility can be challenging, typically 5-10 meters, but that only adds to the atmosphere, revealing sections of the wreck slowly as you approach. It’s a site for the experienced technical diver looking for a substantial wreck, not for a casual potter. Expect strong currents at times, so pick your slack carefully. The reward is a truly impressive piece of submerged history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.166466, -2.036300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 ICE PRINCE

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 ICE PRINCE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the 'Ice Prince' dive site and its shallowest point?
The Ice Prince dive site reaches a maximum depth of 55 meters. The provided data does not specify a distinct shallowest point for this particular wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the 'Ice Prince'?
Divers exploring the Ice Prince can expect to encounter the impressive features of a large carrier vessel, measuring 131.6m in length and 19.4m in width. This non-dangerous wreck, which sank on January 15, 2008, offers a substantial structure to explore. The provided data does not detail specific marine life found on the wreck.
How challenging is diving the 'Ice Prince' wreck, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
Diving the Ice Prince wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should possess prior experience with wreck diving or deep diving, and be comfortable with the depths involved.
What are the optimal tidal conditions and time of year for diving the 'Ice Prince' wreck?
The provided data for the Ice Prince dive site does not specify optimal tidal conditions or the best time of year for diving. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to safely dive the 'Ice Prince'?
Given the Ice Prince reaches a depth of 55 meters and is rated as an intermediate dive, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver are highly recommended. For exploring the wreck itself, a Wreck Diver specialty certification would also be beneficial to ensure safe and enjoyable exploration.
What are the typical current strengths and visibility conditions encountered at the 'Ice Prince' dive site?
The provided data for the Ice Prince dive site does not include information on typical current strengths or visibility conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.