The Chicago
Protected Area
Old Head of Kinsale SPA
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) - The Chicago offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Chicago, sitting upright at 15 metres, is a real favourite for us on the South Coast. It’s a great introduction to wreck diving, with an intact hull that’s easy to navigate, even for newer divers. You can swim through cargo holds, where daylight still filters in, catching the shadows of resident pollock and small crabs scuttling over the rusted metal. The site is shallow enough for a good bottom time, perfect for really soaking in the atmosphere of an old steamer reclaimed by the sea.
Typical The Chicago Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to The Chicago
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Chicago
The Chicago Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for The Chicago, 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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