KOL-31 - Bornholm

KOL-31 isn't your average lump of metal on the seabed. This wreck, a German merchant ship sunk during WWII, is a true historical relic, and we love diving it for that exact reason. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale – it's a big boat, sitting upright and mostly intact, which is always a bonus. We'd suggest carrying a good torch, not just for penetration but to really pick out the details in the holds and along the superstructure. Expect strong thermoclines, especially in late summer, so be ready for the temperature to drop significantly as you descend. The hold sections are particularly interesting. We’ve spent many a dive finning through them, imagining the cargo they once carried. You’ll find plenty of cod sheltering in the darker corners, and the occasional ling slithering along the decks. Visibility can vary wildly here, from a glorious 15 metres to a murkier 5, so pick your day carefully. Our favourite time to dive KOL-31 is on a calm morning; the light, even at 60 metres, has a different quality, and the currents tend to be more forgiving. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers, definitely not one for your first deep dive.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.715120, 15.818668
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

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 KOL-31

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 KOL-31

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