PHOENIX - South Coast

The *Phoenix* isn't a deep dive, not even close, but what it lacks in depth it absolutely makes up for in pure, unadulterated character. This isn't some pristine, intact wreck from a documentary, it's a trawler that met its end, and the chaos of that event is still etched into its twisted metal, lying scattered in only two metres of water. We love picking our way through the jumble of plates and beams, imagining the sheer force that tore it apart. For us, the real magic happens when the light is a little flatter, maybe on an overcast day, when the colours of the algae and anemones really pop against the dark steel. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of small crabs scuttling in the shadows, and our favourite, the blennies, peeking out from every nook and cranny. It's an ideal spot for macro photographers who enjoy a challenge, or really anyone who gets a kick out of poking around a piece of history that’s been thoroughly reclaimed by the sea. Just watch your buoyancy; it’s shallow enough that you can easily stir things up.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.818333, -8.266666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Cork Harbour SPA

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 PHOENIX

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 PHOENIX

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