ACAPULCO 5 - Bornholm

Acapulco 5 isn't about depth or pristine reefs; it's a slice of maritime history, easy to reach and full of character. We love this site for its accessibility and the way it tells a story right there in the shallows. The yacht, sunk back in '71 after dragging anchor, lies just 3 metres down, perfect for a long, relaxed snorkel or a super chill dive. You’ll find its remains scattered across a rocky bottom. The hull has broken up quite a bit, but there’s still plenty to poke around in – ribs, planks, and even some of the engine components are visible. Schools of juvenile pollack often flicker through the gaps, and we’ve seen some decent-sized crabs scuttling amongst the wreckage. It’s a great spot for photographers keen on capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the decaying wood. Honestly, we’d suggest timing your visit for a calm, sunny day; the visibility really pops, making the details of the wreck clearer and the colours more vibrant. This is our pick for a leisurely afternoon, a gentle introduction to wreck diving, or just a chance to explore a small piece of Bornholm's past.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.953335, 15.705000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ACAPULCO 5

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
grounding

The final moments of the yacht ACAPULCO 5 were dramatic and swift. In May 1971, while anchored off the Danish island of Bornholm, the vessel's engine failed. Powerless, it began to drag its anchor, ultimately stranding itself on the rocky coastline. A rescue attempt was mounted and the yacht was towed free from the rocks, but the damage was too severe. It succumbed to its injuries and sank during the tow.

Resting at just 3 meters, the ACAPULCO 5 is an incredibly accessible wreck, perfect for novice divers, training dives, and even snorkelers. Its classification as a 'Dangerous wreck' suggests it is broken up and poses a hazard to navigation, so care should be taken around sharp metal. For divers, it offers a shallow, easy-to-explore site that tells a clear story of a vessel lost to the unforgiving combination of engine failure and a rocky shore.

Best Time to Dive in Bornholm

The warmest water temperatures in Bornholm occur in January, averaging 3.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 3.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 3.3°C (air: 3.1°C)
  • February: 3.3°C (air: 3.2°C)
  • March: 3.3°C (air: 3.9°C)
  • April: 3.3°C (air: 6.0°C)
  • May: 3.3°C (air: 10.9°C)
  • June: 3.3°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • July: 3.3°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • August: 3.3°C (air: 18.0°C)
  • September: 3.3°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • October: 3.3°C (air: 11.5°C)
  • November: 3.3°C (air: 7.1°C)
  • December: 3.3°C (air: 3.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bornholm

Nearest Dive Centres to ACAPULCO 5

Marine Life in Bornholm

Home to 67 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 7 clams & mussels, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 crabs & lobsters, 2 starfish, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ACAPULCO 5

Based on average water temperature of 3.3°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 3°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