CAMPINAS
Protected Area
Vestamager og havet syd for
Why dive here
With 66+ marine species recorded in the area - including jellyfish lake - CAMPINAS offers some of Bornholm's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 3-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
Campinas sits off Bornholm, a peculiar site for those who appreciate the quiet drama of a historical wreck. It’s not about grand coral gardens here, but the intimate exploration of a sunken schooner, a vessel lost to a storm back in 1893. We love how shallow it is, maxing out at 11 metres, which means generous bottom time, even on a single tank. The visibility can vary, as with most Baltic sites, but when it's good, you’ll find the wreck spread across the seabed, its wooden ribs and hull sections draped in a thick blanket of green algae and rust-coloured sponges. This isn't a wreck you penetrate, but one you trace, piecing together its story from the scattered remains. We always find ourselves lingering around the stern, imagining the crew's last moments as the sea claimed their ship. For marine life, expect the usual Baltic suspects – gobies darting between timbers, maybe a flatfish half-buried in the sand, and small schools of cod patrolling the perimeter if you’re lucky. It's a dive that suits those who prefer history and atmosphere over flash, a meditative experience rather than an adrenaline rush. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day; the light filtering through the green water makes the wreck truly sing.
Typical CAMPINAS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
CAMPINAS Wreck History
Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mined
Tonnage
3,540 GRT
The SS Campinas was a German steamship built in 1921 which served as a cargo vessel throughout its career. During World War II, it was put into service transporting materials and supplies for the German war effort in the Baltic Sea, a region that became increasingly perilous as the conflict progressed. The Baltic was a key strategic area, heavily mined by both Allied and Axis forces to disrupt enemy shipping.
In the final year of the war, the Campinas was on a voyage near the Danish island of Bornholm. On October 21, 1944, its luck ran out. The ship struck a mine, triggering a massive explosion that tore through its hull. The damage was catastrophic, and the 3,540-ton freighter sank quickly, becoming another steel casualty of the unforgiving Baltic Sea.
Today, the SS Campinas is a fantastic wreck dive, perfectly suited for a wide range of divers. Resting at a maximum depth of 11 meters, the site is bright and accessible. The wreck is remarkably intact, sitting upright on the seabed. Divers can explore the decks, peer into the cargo holds, and swim around the superstructure. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a reminder to be cautious of sharp metal and potential entanglement, but it remains a popular and rewarding dive, offering a complete WWII shipwreck experience in shallow, clear waters.
Nearest Dive Centres to CAMPINAS
Dive shops near CAMPINAS
Aquatica
ScubaGear
Kingfish Dive & Travel
Dykkercentret
Ocean Divers ApS
Scansub DK Diver ApS
Reviews for CAMPINAS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAMPINAS
CAMPINAS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CAMPINAS, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (54.94, 13.85) (7km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
57°F · Range: 11.7–16.3°C
Air Temperature
12°C
53°F
Wind Speed
8.16 m/s
15.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Bornholm, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in BornholmPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Bornholm.
Search stays in BornholmDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near CAMPINAS
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.