PRINCE IVANHOE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.544266, -4.197817
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gower

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 PRINCE IVANHOE

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 PRINCE IVANHOE

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 was the typical depth range for diving the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck before it was salvaged?
The 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck was found at a shallow depth of 2 meters. This made it an accessible site for divers interested in exploring its remains.
What marine life and wreck features were commonly observed by divers on the 'Prince Ivanhoe' when it was still a dive site?
Divers exploring the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck would have observed the remains of a 61.1m x 14.5m ferry vessel, originally built with wooden construction. Key features included its oil engines and twin shafts, offering a glimpse into its past as a passenger ferry. For more information on wreck diving, visit equipment.
How would the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck have been rated in terms of diving difficulty for recreational divers?
The 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck was classified with an intermediate diving difficulty rating. This suggests it presented some challenges, making it suitable for divers with a bit more experience beyond basic open water certification. You can learn more about dive sites in Cornwall & Devon.
What were the best times of year or tidal conditions recommended for diving the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or particular tidal conditions recommended for diving the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck. Divers planning to visit sites in the United Kingdom should always consult local dive operators for current conditions.
What diving certifications were typically required or recommended for those wanting to dive the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers typically required or were recommended to have certifications beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent experience. This ensures divers have the necessary skills to safely navigate the wreck site. Explore more dive sites like the Prince Ivanhoe.
What were the prevailing currents and underwater visibility conditions like at the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck site?
The available data does not provide specific details regarding the prevailing currents or underwater visibility conditions at the 'Prince Ivanhoe' wreck site. For general information on planning your dives, you might find resources on when to dive helpful.