LODE STAR
Protected Area
Hook Head SAC
Why dive here
With 185+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LODE STAR offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Lode Star, sitting upright at 24 metres, is a fantastic wreck for a relaxed dive off the South Coast. We love how intact she is, a fishing vessel sunk in a collision back in 1971. You can still make out the superstructure, the deck gear, even the mast lying across the seabed. Dropping down, you often hit a thermocline, and then the wreck appears out of the green, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. The interior is mostly silted, but the outside offers plenty of nooks for exploration. Conger eels are a regular sight, coiled in shadowy corners, and we’ve often found scorpionfish nestled in the hold. Visibility here can be tricky, so pick a calm day with a neap tide for the best chance of a clear run. It's a proper piece of maritime history, not just a pile of scrap, and it provides a great habitat for local critters.
Typical LODE STAR Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 24m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for LODE STAR
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LODE STAR
LODE STAR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LODE STAR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (51.71, -8.38) (9km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
57°F · Range: 12.3–14.8°C
Air Temperature
12°C
54°F
Wind Speed
7.84 m/s
15.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1008.6 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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