SAMSON
Protected Area
Ardmore 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) - SAMSON offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Samson wreck is a decent exploration for divers on Ireland's South Coast. This barge, which sank in a storm back in '87, now sits upright on the seabed, its superstructure offering a good chance for penetration if you're comfortable with overhead environments. We've often found conger eels tucked into the dark corners and plenty of small wrasse darting around the steel plates. It's a site that suits those who enjoy picking apart a wreck, rather than those seeking big pelagics or colourful reefs. Just keep an eye on the weather; strong winds can make the entry and surface conditions a bit challenging.
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.
Reviews for SAMSON
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SAMSON
SAMSON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SAMSON, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (51.71, -8.38) (9km away)
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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