S.S. Alondra - South Coast

The S.S. Alondra isn't for the faint of heart, or for a casual afternoon dip. This is proper wreck diving, Irish style, often with a good push of current and visibility that can swing wildly. But when it’s good, when you hit that slack water just right, it’s an absolute powerhouse. We’ve always been drawn to how completely the sea has reclaimed this cargo steamer. You’ll descend into a world of twisted metal and collapsed decks, where hake lurk in shadowy holds and enormous thornback skates often glide past the bow. What we really love about the Alondra is the sense of history you feel – a vessel slowly dissolving back into the ocean. The engine room is usually our favourite part, with boilers still largely intact, a real magnet for common sea stars and dense clouds of blue mussels. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers, certainly, those who appreciate the challenge and the raw, untamed beauty of a truly submerged artificial reef. Keep an eye on those triggerfish too; they’re surprisingly common here.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.460560, -9.344914
Type
wreck

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 S.S. Alondra

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 S.S. Alondra

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