S.V. Stephen Whitney - South Coast

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.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.467167, -9.517167
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Roaringwater Bay and Islands 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.V. Stephen Whitney

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.V. Stephen Whitney

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