The Scottish Prince is a 64m iron barque that ran aground off Main Beach, Southport in 1887 after a voyage from Glasgow. Now lying in just 11-13m of water 600-800m offshore, this heritage-listed wreck is one of the Gold Coast's premier dive and snorkel sites. The hull is heavily encrusted with soft corals, sponges and algae, and swarming with massive schools of yellowtail scad, silver batfish and bullseyes. Wobbegong sharks, bamboo sharks, rays, morwong, gropers, moray eels, and crayfish all call this wreck home. The bow rises 5m off the sandy bottom, and features like the winch, donkey boiler, and masts are still visible. No penetration possible, making it safe for all levels.
Scottish Prince Wreck
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 4.9 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Protected wreck restrictions
The Scottish Prince is protected under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwreck Act. It is illegal to remove any artefacts or marine life. Look but don't take.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility ranges from 6m to 20m+, typically best after southerly winds. Can be significantly reduced after rain or northerly swells.
Low risk: Surge from ground swell
The wreck sits in shallow water and can experience strong surge when there is a ground swell, making it challenging for inexperienced swimmers.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Located only 600-800m offshore off Main Beach/Southport Spit, the site is accessed by boat and nearby marine traffic should be considered.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Scottish Prince lies 600-800m off Main Beach / Southport Spit on the Gold Coast. Access is by boat only, typically via charter dive operators. Gold Coast Dive Adventures departs from Runaway Bay Marina (15 min to site). Aqua Adventures and other operators also run trips from Southport. The wreck is not reachable by swimming from shore.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Runaway Bay Marina or at boat ramp facilities near Southport Spit. Street parking may also be available near departure points.
parkingtoilets
Dive/snorkel charter trips from approximately $99 AUD per person. Prices vary by operator.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports