wreck

Log This Dive

PS RYDE

We love a good wreck, and the PS Ryde has a story to tell, even if she’s only a meter deep. Seriously, a meter. This isn’t a plunge into the abyss; it’s more like a history lesson you can snorkel or free-dive through. What’s left of her sits right off the beach, easy to access and surprisingly intact in places, considering how close she is to shore. You’ll find rusted ribs and plating spread across the seabed, a skeletal remains of a paddle steamer from another era. We’ve seen small gobies darting between the metal plates, and sometimes a curious crab or two will peek out from beneath a collapsed bulkhead. The light filters through the shallow water, giving everything a soft, green glow, especially on a sunny day. It’s perfect for new divers wanting to get a feel for wreck diving without the depth, or for anyone who just enjoys a leisurely exploration. Our favourite time to go is just before high tide, when the water is at its calmest and the visibility tends to be best, letting you really appreciate the scale of what’s left of this old girl. Don’t expect huge pelagics; do expect a tangible piece of maritime history and some surprisingly vibrant small stuff.