PRINCE IVANHOE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gower

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) - PRINCE IVANHOE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 2m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Prince Ivanhoe, or what’s left of her anyway, sits in laughably shallow water near the entrance to the River Teign. This isn’t a grand wreck dive, but it’s an absolute blast for the right kind of diver. She was a passenger ferry, sank in '81 after hitting some rocks, and now her wooden skeleton is scattered across a couple of metres of seabed. We love this spot for a lazy afternoon dip, especially when the sun is out and you can really appreciate the play of light through the water. You’re essentially snorkelling or free diving over what looks like giant, waterlogged pick-up sticks, but look closer. The timber ribs and decking are completely encrusted with plumose anemones, dead man's fingers, and nudibranchs. We’ve spent ages just hovering, watching crabs scuttle through the gaps and small pollock dart between the beams. It’s a photographer’s dream, particularly with wide-angle if you can get low and frame those colourful anemones against the dappled surface. It’s easily accessible and suits anyone who enjoys a relaxed exploration rather than a deep, penetrative wreck dive.