SPES NOVA
Protected Area
Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs 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) - SPES NOVA offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Spes Nova* is a solid dive on Ireland's South Coast, a fishing vessel that went down in 1983 after a rescue attempt gone wrong near the Stags. Sitting upright at 20 metres, the 24.5-metre wreck offers a decent penetration for those comfortable with overhead environments; we've found the wheelhouse and engine room accessible on good days. Around the exterior, you'll often spot conger eels tucked into various nooks, and crabs are always scuttling across the decks. It's a dive best suited for experienced wreck divers looking for a bit of history and some consistent invertebrate life.
Typical SPES NOVA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SPES NOVA
SPES NOVA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SPES NOVA, 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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