CAROLINE - Bornholm

The CAROLINE, off Bornholm, is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Baltic, particularly for those who appreciate history without the intimidation of deep or complex penetration. This isn't some colossal freighter, but a smaller motor vessel, broken yet surprisingly intact in places at just 10 metres. We love how accessible it is, making it perfect for divers who want to spend a long bottom time really getting to know a wreck. You’ll find the CAROLINE scattered, its timbers and plating slowly dissolving into the sand, but a large section of the hull still stands proud, offering shelter. Look closely and you’ll spot resident blennies peering from crevices, and crabs scuttling across encrusted metal. The light at this depth is often surprisingly good, filtering down to illuminate the wreckage, highlighting the algae and anemones that have started to reclaim it. We’d suggest going on a calm day; visibility can be a bit variable in the Baltic, but when it's good, the CAROLINE really shines. It's a genuinely atmospheric dive, a quiet exploration of a past moment, suitable for all experience levels who appreciate a wreck with character.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.419960, 12.331218
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - CAROLINE

Vessel Type
motor vessel
Cause
unknown

Resting at a shallow 10 metres off the coast of Bornholm, the motor vessel CAROLINE offers an accessible and intriguing dive for novices and experienced divers alike. While the specific history of this vessel and the circumstances of its sinking are not widely documented, its presence on the seabed provides a fantastic artificial reef. As a 'Dangerous Wreck', it likely sits in a busy area or shallow patch, a hazard for ships but a haven for marine life. Divers can expect to explore the scattered remains of a small coastal vessel, now colonized by the flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea, making for a perfect afternoon dive when conditions are calm.

Marine Protected Area: Stevns Reefs

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 CAROLINE

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 CAROLINE

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