OTRONTO - South Coast

The Otronto isn't a deep dive, sitting at a comfortable 9 metres, which makes it a cracking spot for divers who want to spend some real time exploring without feeling rushed. We love it because it’s a proper little shipwreck, not just a pile of debris. This fishing vessel went down in '92 after hitting The Stags, and it's settled upright, largely intact, which is always a bonus. You can swim around the wheelhouse, peer into the holds, and even spot the propeller, still fixed at the stern. This wreck has become a home for all sorts of local characters. We’ve seen conger eels poking their heads from pipes, lobsters tucked into every crevice, and often, you’ll find small schools of pollock darting around the structure. The visibility can be a bit variable, as it often is on the South Coast, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the green hues here are truly something else. It's a great choice for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed, interesting explore where marine life is practically guaranteed. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm morning, just after high tide, when the currents are minimal and the light is at its best.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.467167, -9.225500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs 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 OTRONTO

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 OTRONTO

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