Mariola - Bornholm

Mariola. Say it with a bit of a sigh, like you’re recalling a good friend. This isn't just a wreck; it's a piece of history resting at 35 metres, a stark reminder of WWII. We love the way she sits upright, almost defiant, even after all these years. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer size, then the details start to emerge from the low visibility, often around 5-10 metres here. The wheelhouse is still largely intact, and we've spent many dives just finning slowly around it, imagining the final moments. The currents can pick up, so check conditions, but on a calm day, it’s a peaceful, somewhat eerie dive. Inside, the holds are open, inviting cautious exploration, and we've seen cod and even a few shy scorpionfish tucked into the nooks. It's not a riot of colour like some tropical reefs, but the grey scale beauty, the way the light filters through the superstructure, has its own profound appeal. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft is still visible, encrusted with anemones – a truly atmospheric spot for a safety stop. This site is for divers who appreciate history, the quiet drama of a wreck, and don’t mind a bit of a chill in the water.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.523335, 16.131500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

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 Mariola

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 Mariola

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