S.V. 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) - S.V. Stephen Whitney offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The S.V. Stephen Whitney sits on the seabed off Ireland’s South Coast, a classic wooden schooner that ran aground in 1862. What we love about this site isn't just the history, but how the wreck has truly become part of the reef. We've explored her many times; the bow is often the most intact section, with timber ribs standing proud like ancient bones. Further along, the stern section is more broken up, but it's here you find the true resident characters. Pink sea fans cling to the deeper timbers, swaying gently in the current, and we regularly spot thornback skates resting on the sand nearby. Pollock patrol the deeper sections, while closer to the deck, you’ll see bass darting in and out of the crevices. Look closely for the iridescent blue mussels that encrust the remaining planks and keep an eye out for red band-fish peeking from beneath ledges. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, best suited for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a historic wreck and the life it now shelters.
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for S.V. Stephen Whitney
S.V. Stephen Whitney Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for S.V. 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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