NESTORIAN - South Coast

We’re not going to lie, the Nestorian isn’t a gentle drift over a colourful reef. This is proper wreck diving, a deep dive into history off the rugged South Coast of Ireland. The Nestorian, a 122-meter steamship, met its end in 1917, breaking in two and settling at a max depth of 12m. The two halves of the wreck, separated by a good distance, are what we love most about this site – it feels like two dives in one. When the visibility is good, around 10-15 metres, you can really appreciate the scale. Swimming along the hull, you’ll spot huge sections of plating and machinery, now completely encrusted. Conger eels are a common sight, peering out from gaps, and we’ve often seen shoals of pollock weaving through the structure. It’s a site that suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate the atmospheric dive into maritime history, rather than those looking for vibrant corals. The current can be brisk here, so plan your dive with the tides and expect a real adventure.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.423832, -9.522166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Roaringwater Bay and Islands 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 NESTORIAN

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 NESTORIAN

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