Salthill
Protected Area
Inner Galway Bay
Why dive here
With 169+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and octopuses - Salthill offers some of West Coast's richest diving. Water ranges 8-17°C, warmest July, August, September.
Salthill is a straightforward shore dive near Galway City, good for a relaxed entry into the chilly Atlantic. You’ll find a mix of rocky seabed and some kelp beds, typical of the Irish coast. Expect to spot common blennies, small crabs, and maybe a lion’s mane jellyfish drifting by, especially in late summer. It's a solid choice for newer divers or those looking to test new gear without any fuss.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Salthill
Salthill Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Salthill, 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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