PRINCESS ROYAL - Cornwall & Devon

The Princess Royal, resting at 34 metres, is one of those wrecks that just gets under your skin. We love how intact she feels despite being down since 1918. Her sheer size, 88 metres of steamship, means you'll need more than one dive to really get a handle on her. Dropping down, the bow section is often the first thing that comes into view, sometimes eerily silhouetted against the murkier green water. Swim along her decks, past the remains of her triple-expansion engine, and you start to get a real sense of her scale. Look for the massive prop shaft, a truly impressive piece of engineering. It’s dark down there, even on a sunny day, so good lights are essential – we always suggest a primary and a backup. What truly brings her to life is the resident marine population. Expect to find conger eels peering from every dark hole, their thick bodies wrapped around rusted beams. Our favourite sight is the shoals of poor cod, a shimmering cloud that parts and reforms as you move through the wreck. Big bib hang around the deeper parts, too, often joining the congers. This site really suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't put off by deeper, darker conditions. The currents here can be tricky, so pick your slack water carefully and make sure you’re comfortable with drift lines. It’s a proper dive, one that rewards careful planning.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.323750, -5.334183
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

Marine Protected Area: Godrevy Head to St Agnes

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 ROYAL

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 ROYAL

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

How deep is the SS Princess Royal wreck dive site in Cornwall?
The SS Princess Royal wreck dive site in Cornwall & Devon has a maximum depth of 34 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those looking to explore deeper wrecks.
What marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Princess Royal wreck?
The Princess Royal wreck offers divers a chance to explore a significant historical steam ship vessel, built in 1912 and sunk in 1918. Key features include its substantial dimensions of 88.8m x 11.6m, as well as remnants of its triple expansion engine and single shaft. Details on specific marine life at this site are not provided in the current data.
What is the difficulty level for diving the SS Princess Royal wreck?
The SS Princess Royal wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certifications and comfort with deeper wreck diving conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive the Princess Royal wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Princess Royal wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive section. Divers should consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on seasonal conditions.
What diving certifications are required to explore the Princess Royal wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, the Princess Royal wreck is an intermediate dive to a depth of 34 meters. Therefore, divers would typically need advanced open water certification or a specialty wreck diving certification to safely explore this site. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Princess Royal dive site?
The provided data does not include information on typical currents or visibility conditions at the Princess Royal dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.