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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Princess Ena dive site, and what are the depths of its key features?
The Princess Ena dive site has a maximum depth of 38 meters. While specific depths for individual wreck features are not detailed in the provided information, divers can expect to explore a steam ship vessel. This intermediate difficulty wreck offers a unique underwater experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Princess Ena dive site?
At the Princess Ena dive site, divers can expect to explore the remains of a 76.2-meter steam ship vessel that sank in 1935. Classified as a dangerous wreck, it offers intriguing structural elements for experienced divers. Specific details regarding marine life encounters are not provided in the current data, but you can learn more about general marine life in the region.
How difficult is the Princess Ena dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or experienced divers?
The Princess Ena dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with deeper dives and potentially challenging conditions. Beginner divers should gain more experience before attempting this particular wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive the Princess Ena for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Princess Ena for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section. Always check local weather and sea conditions before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Princess Ena, especially for wreck penetration?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data for the Princess Ena, its classification as an intermediate and dangerous wreck suggests that advanced certifications are highly recommended. For any wreck penetration, specialized training such as a Wreck Diver certification is essential due to the inherent risks. Always ensure you have the appropriate training and equipment for such challenging dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Princess Ena dive site?
The provided data for the Princess Ena dive site does not include details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning to visit this intermediate difficulty wreck should consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date information on these environmental factors.