46m
    West Coast, Ireland
    Ardboline Island and Horse Island SPA

    HORIZON II

    Best months: Jul–Aug

    Protected Area

    Ardboline Island and Horse Island SPA

    Why dive here

    With 169+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and octopuses - HORIZON II offers some of West Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-17°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Aug
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Octopuses · 169+ species recorded
    Water8-17°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 46m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Horizon II. Now, this is a wreck we always look forward to diving when we're on Ireland’s West Coast. Lying upright at 46 metres, she’s a fishing vessel, and you can still see the lines of her nets trailing from the stern. It feels like she just went down, caught mid-haul. The bridge is a good swim-through, if you're comfortable with overhead environments, and the holds are surprisingly accessible. What makes her special? It’s the sheer number of conger eels that call her home. You’ll spot their heads poking out of every nook and cranny, sometimes two or three from the same pipe. We’ve also seen some impressive ling tucked into the darker recesses. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for the Atlantic, but when it’s good, the natural light filtering through the decks is quite atmospheric. It's a deep dive, so bring your twinset and plan your gas carefully. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience, as currents can pick up. This isn't one for beginners, but for experienced wreck divers, she's a beauty.

    Typical HORIZON II Dive Profile

    15m30m45mSafety Stop0m46m max~15 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Maximum depth 46m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

    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.

    Today05:5616:4910h 53m daylightGolden hour 16:00

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HORIZON II

    HORIZON II Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HORIZON II, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (53.32, -9.66) (22km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    14°C

    56°F · Range: 11.7–15.4°C

    Air Temperature

    12°C

    54°F

    Wind Speed

    8.2 m/s

    15.9 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1007.4 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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