PORTSDOWN - Cornwall & Devon

The wreck of the ferry Portsdown, formerly the Ryde, is a fantastic shallow water dive off the Cornish coast. We love a wreck that tells a story, and this one, scuttled in 1941 to block an enemy invasion, certainly does. At a maximum depth of 2m, it's less about dramatic plunges and more about intimate exploration. Paddling over the remains, you can still make out the distinctive paddle steamer hull, the two boilers standing proud, now encrusted with plumose anemones swaying gently in the surge. Look closely for spider crabs scuttling amongst the plates, and shoals of juvenile pollack darting through the rusted structure. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for a long, relaxed snorkel or a shallow dive on a calm day. We’d suggest going at slack water to avoid strong currents, making it easier to appreciate the history and the surprisingly rich life found in such shallow water.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.776405, -1.105623
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Portsmouth Harbour

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 PORTSDOWN

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 PORTSDOWN

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at dive sites in the Portsmouth, NH area?
Information regarding typical depths for scuba diving specifically in the Portsmouth, NH area is not available in the provided data context. The data provided pertains to the PORTSDOWN wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which has a depth of 2m. For details on specific dive sites in New Hampshire, please consult local resources.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving around Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
The provided data context does not contain information about marine life or underwater features specific to the Portsmouth, New Hampshire area. The available details describe the PORTSDOWN wreck, a ferry vessel sunk in 1941, located in Cornwall & Devon, but do not include details on local marine ecosystems. For general information on marine life, you can visit DivePlnr's wildlife database.
How difficult are the dive sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for different experience levels?
Details on the difficulty of dive sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, are not present in the provided information. The data specifies that the PORTSDOWN wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, is classified as an 'intermediate' difficulty dive. Divers should always assess their own experience level against the specific conditions of any dive site.
When is the best time of year to dive in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, considering conditions and marine life?
The provided data context does not include information regarding the best time of year to dive in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, nor does it detail local conditions or marine life for that region. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might explore DivePlnr's 'When to Dive' section. The available data focuses solely on the PORTSDOWN wreck in the UK.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in the Portsmouth, NH area?
The provided data does not specify required or recommended scuba diving certifications for the Portsmouth, NH area. The information available pertains to the PORTSDOWN wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which is an intermediate dive. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate certification for the specific conditions and difficulty of any dive site they plan to visit.
What are the typical currents, water temperatures, and visibility conditions at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dive sites?
Information regarding typical currents, water temperatures, and visibility conditions for dive sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is not provided in the given data context. The data describes the PORTSDOWN wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, but does not include environmental conditions like temperature or visibility. Always check local conditions before diving to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.