MICHAEL - South Coast

The Michael, grounded in Tramore Bay since a fierce gale in ‘75, offers a surprisingly intimate wreck dive. It’s a shallow affair, maxing out at two metres, which makes it perfect for a long, relaxed exploration, especially for newer divers getting their fins wet on something with a bit of history. We’ve spent hours here, just drifting over the hull, spotting the resident wrasse darting between the plates and feeling the slight tug of the surge against our suits. You’re essentially swimming over a skeletal framework. The wreck lies broken on the sandy bottom, the bow and stern sections distinct, with a good chunk of the midships opened up. We love poking around the collapsed engine room, imagining the chaos of that stormy night. Look closely for the small crabs scuttling in the shadows, and if the visibility is good, you’ll see the sunlight dappling through the water, making the rust colours glow. Our best dives here have always been on a calm, sunny day with a slack tide; it really brings out the character of the place.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.151165, -7.118333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Tramore Dunes and Backstrand 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 MICHAEL

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 MICHAEL

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