CONTESSA VIV - South Coast

The Contessa Viv is one of our favourites on the South Coast, a real cracker of a wreck sitting upright in about 28 metres. She went down in ’86, caught out in a storm, and you can almost feel that drama when you’re down there, despite the calm. We always find the wheelhouse the most compelling part to explore, especially when the light catches the old dials. Look closely along the deck for conger eels peering out from under plating and around the stern, where the prop is often silhouetted against the ambient light, for pollack schooling. The wreck itself, a substantial trawler at 32 metres long, offers plenty of penetration opportunities for those with the right training, but even staying outside, there’s enough structure to keep you busy for a whole dive. We’d suggest going at slack tide, as currents can pick up here, making it a bit of a workout otherwise. It’s a site that really delivers, especially for divers who appreciate a wreck with a story.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.620790, -9.922626
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Kenmare River

Best Time to Dive in South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in South Coast occur in January, averaging 8.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.8°C (air: 7.0°C)
  • February: 8.8°C (air: 8.3°C)
  • March: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)
  • April: 8.8°C (air: 9.3°C)
  • May: 8.8°C (air: 11.8°C)
  • June: 8.8°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.8°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • August: 8.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • September: 8.8°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • October: 8.8°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 9.9°C)
  • December: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to CONTESSA VIV

Marine Life in South Coast

Home to 199 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 14 whales & dolphins, 14 other, 10 crabs & lobsters, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CONTESSA VIV

Based on average water temperature of 8.8°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°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