CAMPINAS - Bornholm

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.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.514946, 12.687674
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - CAMPINAS

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.

Marine Protected Area: Vestamager og havet syd for

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 CAMPINAS

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 CAMPINAS

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