STEPHEN WHITNEY
Protected Area
Roaringwater Bay and Islands 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) - STEPHEN WHITNEY offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Stephen Whitney, a sailing vessel that met its end in 1847, lies scattered across the seabed at 28 meters near West Calf Island. We find that while the wreck itself broke apart quickly, the remnants offer a fascinating if somewhat dispersed dive. You’re looking at debris fields rather than an intact hull, with timbers and cargo spread over a rocky bottom. It’s a site for those who appreciate the history and the gradual reclaiming of man-made structures by the ocean. Expect to see cod, conger eels, and various crustaceans making their homes among the wreckage, particularly in the crevices of the rocks that also dot the site. Visibility can be a bit changeable here, but on a good day, the atmosphere is quite poignant.
Typical STEPHEN WHITNEY 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 28m - 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 STEPHEN WHITNEY
STEPHEN WHITNEY Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for STEPHEN WHITNEY, 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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