CAPELLA - Bornholm

Bornholm's waters hide plenty of wrecks, but the Capella stands out. We love it because it’s a proper ship, not just scattered debris, sitting upright on the seabed at 21 metres. Dropping down, you’ll first make out the distinct silhouette, then the detail emerges – the deckhouse, the mast, the bow pointing into the current. It’s got a wonderfully eerie feel, especially if you catch it on a day when the light filters down just right. Exploration here is fantastic for those who enjoy poking around nooks and crannies. We usually start at the stern, checking out the rudder, before moving along the main deck. There’s a fair bit of penetration possible for qualified wreck divers into the cargo holds – just watch your silt. Even outside, the Capella is home to plump cod sheltering in the shadow of the deck, and we’ve often spotted blennies peeking out from behind corroded metal plates. It’s a site that rewards a slow, observant dive. Our favourite part has to be the mast structure, now completely encrusted with anemones, creating a soft, colourful contrast to the ship's steel. Just be mindful of the currents; they can pick up, so check the local conditions before you head out.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.899384, 12.695500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Wreck History - CAPELLA

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

Resting in the cold, clear waters of the Baltic Sea, the wreck known as the "Capella" is an enigmatic dive site off the coast of Bornholm. Little is known about the vessel's history or how it met its end, leaving its story to the imagination of the divers who explore it. The mystery only adds to the allure of the dive.

At a maximum depth of 21 meters, the Capella is accessible to a wide range of certified divers. The site is classified as a dangerous wreck, suggesting it is broken up and may present overhead environments or entanglement hazards, so careful dive planning and good buoyancy are essential. Divers can expect to navigate through the scattered remains, now a thriving artificial reef for the marine life of the Baltic. The visibility can be excellent, revealing a structure that offers a rewarding experience for underwater photographers and wreck enthusiasts alike.

Marine Protected Area: Klinteskov kalkgrund

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 CAPELLA

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 CAPELLA

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