TOURMALET - South Coast

The Tourmalet is one of those wrecks we find ourselves thinking about long after the dive. It’s an old trawler, down since 1972, and while she’s not huge, she’s got real character. We usually drop onto the stern, around the prop, and work our way forward. The deck gear is still largely intact, which always makes for interesting navigating – you’re ducking under winches and picking your way through collapsed sections of superstructure. What we really love about the Tourmalet is the life that’s colonised her. The hull is a tapestry of jewel anemones, brilliant orange and purple against the dark steel. We’ve regularly spotted conger eels tucked into the deeper recesses, and the open deck is often swarming with pollack and coalfish. It’s a site that really rewards a slower pace, letting your eyes adjust to the gloom and revealing the smaller creatures hiding in plain sight. This wreck suits divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; it’s a proper Irish dive, rewarding those who take their time.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.133667, -6.592500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Saltee Islands SPA

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 TOURMALET

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 TOURMALET

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