PS RYDE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.724266, -1.280050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Medina Estuary

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 PS RYDE

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 PS RYDE

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