BONITA - Bornholm

The Bonita wreck off Bornholm is one of our favourite Baltic dives, especially for those who appreciate a good story with their dive. She’s a sturdy old freighter, lying at 40 metres, and while the depth means this isn't for novices, the reward is substantial. Descending, you can feel the water getting colder, a real chill that prickles the skin even through a drysuit, but it only heightens the sense of adventure. We love exploring her holds, which are surprisingly open and accessible, even if you do need to manage your buoyancy carefully in the dim light. Flashlights are essential down here, not just for penetration but to really bring out the subtle greens and browns of the growth that’s taken hold – anemones, hydroids, and some rather plump crabs making their homes in every crevice. We’ve often spotted decent-sized cod patrolling the decks, too, their dark shapes appearing and disappearing into the gloom. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates a little, the sheer scale of the wreck becomes apparent. It's a proper wreck dive, atmospheric and challenging in the best possible way.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.225235, 13.239783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - BONITA

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

Resting in the cold, dark waters off the Danish island of Bornholm, the wreck known only as the 'Bonita' is a mystery waiting to be explored. Lying at a depth of 40 meters, this site is a challenging and rewarding dive reserved for experienced and technical divers. Its history is lost to the Baltic Sea; how it sank, what cargo it carried, and the story of its crew remain unknown, adding a layer of intrigue to the dive.

The wreck is designated as a 'dangerous wreck,' suggesting it may be unstable, covered in snagged fishing nets, or possess other hazards that demand careful planning and execution. For those properly equipped, the Bonita offers a glimpse into the past, an anonymous vessel now encrusted with marine life and patrolled by the fish of the Baltic. It's a true exploration dive into the maritime history of this strategic waterway.

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 BONITA

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 BONITA

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