EXCELSIOR - South Coast

The Excelsior wreck, just off Ireland’s South Coast, is one of those sites that always leaves us wanting more. It’s a sailing vessel, gone down in 1917, and it sits upright at a nice, easy 15 metres. We love how approachable it is, perfect for a relaxed dive where you can really take your time. You can trace the outline of the hull, spotting the ribs and beams now encrusted with plumose anemones – their feathery white tentacles waving gently in the current. Our favourite part is the bow, where the shape is still quite distinct. We've often seen conger eels peering out from beneath collapsed sections, and if you look closely amongst the kelp that sways across the deck, you’ll find nudibranchs inching their way along. The Excelsior might not be a huge, dramatic wreck, but its charm lies in its history and the way the ocean has slowly reclaimed it, making it a living reef. It’s a site for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of a historical vessel and the small, intricate life it now supports.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.954500, -7.675833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Ardmore Head SAC

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 EXCELSIOR

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 EXCELSIOR

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