PRINCESS ENA - Cornwall & Devon

The Princess Ena, a steamship that met its end in 1935, is one of our favourite deep wrecks off the Cornish coast. Dropping down to 38 metres, you’ll find her mostly intact, lying on her port side. We love how the strong currents, which can be a real challenge at times, have scoured away much of the superstructure, revealing the skeletal ribs of her hull. You can still make out the large boilers and parts of the engine room, a real testament to her industrial past. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, but on a good day, the light filters through the green water, illuminating the vibrant jewel anemones that carpet every surface. Conger eels are always a possibility, tucked away in crevices, and we often spot dogfish patrolling the sandy seabed around the wreck. It's a dive that requires experience and good planning, especially given the depth and potential for strong tidal flows, but the rewards are significant. Exploring her decks, now just a framework for sea life, feels like stepping back in time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.050385, -2.347333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Les Minquiers

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 PRINCESS ENA

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 PRINCESS ENA

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