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