Ursten - North Sea Coast

Switzer Reef might not shout its name from the rooftops like some of its GBR neighbours, but for those who know, it's a real treat. We love coming here for the sheer density of hard corals, especially the big, sculptural brain corals that just dominate the reefscape. It feels ancient, a proper old-growth forest of the sea. Drop in and you're surrounded by these impressive coral structures, home to surprising bursts of colour from parrotfish and the occasional silver flash of school mackerel cruising by. Look closer and you'll find the smaller residents, like the fascinating silver-cheeked toadfish, often tucked into crevices. While it's a relatively easy drift, the currents can pick up, so it suits divers comfortable managing that. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, when the sun angle really brings out the subtle purples and greens in the cactus and smooth cauliflower corals. It's a fantastic spot for photographers keen on capturing dramatic reef architecture without battling crowds.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.583332, 11.083333
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Røsnæs, Røsnæs Rev og Kalundborg Fjord

Best Time to Dive in North Sea Coast

The warmest water temperatures in North Sea Coast occur in January, averaging 4.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 4.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 4.6°C (air: 3.3°C)
  • February: 4.6°C (air: 3.6°C)
  • March: 4.6°C (air: 4.1°C)
  • April: 4.6°C (air: 6.7°C)
  • May: 4.6°C (air: 11.2°C)
  • June: 4.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • July: 4.6°C (air: 16.2°C)
  • August: 4.6°C (air: 16.7°C)
  • September: 4.6°C (air: 14.7°C)
  • October: 4.6°C (air: 10.8°C)
  • November: 4.6°C (air: 6.9°C)
  • December: 4.6°C (air: 3.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in North Sea Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Ursten

Marine Life in North Sea Coast

Home to 105 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other, 7 clams & mussels, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Ursten

Based on average water temperature of 4.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 5°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