1m
    South Coast, Ireland
    Hook Head SAC

    ROYAL ARTHUR

    Good diving all year

    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) - ROYAL ARTHUR offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 185+ species recorded
    Water9-15°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 1m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Royal Arthur, a sailing vessel that met its end in a thick fog near Hook Head in 1871, offers a different kind of dive. This isn't a deep plunge; the wreck lies practically on the surface, making it an excellent spot for snorkelers or very shallow divers who want to explore history without the deco stops. What you'll find here are the scattered remains of a ship, now completely colonised by the Irish coast's resilient marine life – plenty of crabs scuttling among the ribs, anemones clinging to the old timbers, and wrasse darting through the kelp. It’s a compelling site for those who appreciate the story behind the wreck as much as the life it now supports.

    Typical ROYAL ARTHUR Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m1m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    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.

    Today06:4617:4510h 59m daylightGolden hour 16:58

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ROYAL ARTHUR

    ROYAL ARTHUR Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for ROYAL ARTHUR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (51.71, -8.38) (9km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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