The SS Investigator is a steamship wreck lying in shallow waters (about 4-8m depth) on the southwestern side of Wardang Island, part of the Wardang Island Maritime Heritage Trail off Port Victoria on the Yorke Peninsula. This 1882-built coastal steamer sank in rough weather on 24 April 1917. Today its collapsed remains — boilers, engine, tubes, and scattered hull plates — rest on a rocky reef seafloor, easily visible in the clear sheltered waters. The site offers an accessible wreck dive for snorkelers and beginner divers, with the intact engine block and boiler providing superb photo opportunities amid the surrounding reef life.
SS Investigator Wreck
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 7.3 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 16 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Sharp wreck debris
The collapsed wreck has exposed metal plates, broken pipes, and sharp edges that can cause cuts if touched.
Low risk: Variable weather and swell
Conditions can change rapidly in Investigator Strait; west coast of Wardang Island can be exposed to wind and chop from the open strait.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
South Australian waters can be cold year-round, with winter temperatures dropping significantly, requiring proper exposure protection.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The site is accessed by boat from Port Victoria; snorkelers need to be aware of dive boats and local vessel traffic near Wardang Island.
Low risk: Strong currents in Investigator Strait
Tidal flows through Investigator Strait can create moderate currents around Wardang Island, especially on an outgoing tide.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
The SS Investigator wreck is located about 500m southwest of Wardang Island, off the coast of Port Victoria on the Yorke Peninsula. Access is by private or charter boat from Port Victoria (approx. 12 km crossing). Port Victoria is a 2-hour drive west of Adelaide via the Copper Coast Highway (B85). Turn off at Maitland onto the Port Victoria Road.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Port Victoria boat ramp and nearby streets. The boat ramp is located at the end of Main Street, Port Victoria.
parkingboat_ramptoilets
No fee for the wreck site itself. Boat launching fees may apply at Port Victoria boat ramp. Chartered dive tours are available at additional cost.
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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