HORIZON II
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.
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
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.
Reviews for HORIZON II
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)
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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