Altair - Baltic Coast

The Altair is one of our favourite wreck dives along the Baltic Coast, a non-dangerous site that really lets you settle in and explore. It sits upright at 25 metres, giving it a commanding presence on the seabed. We love the way the light filters down through the green water, illuminating the deck in ghostly shafts. You'll find schools of small fish, often cod and blennies, darting in and out of the superstructure, completely at home amongst the rusted steel. What makes Altair special is its accessibility and how intact it still feels. We'd suggest taking your time to penetrate the holds if you're comfortable with wreck diving; the antechambers are dark, but torches cut through the gloom to reveal the ship’s internal workings. The wreck’s historical context adds another layer, making you wonder about its journey and its final resting place. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of man-made objects by the ocean. It’s also a good spot for photographers looking for dramatic, moody shots. Visibility can vary, so check local reports, but even in moderate visibility, the Altair delivers.

Location
Baltic Coast, Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.685500, 22.250668
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Wreck History - Altair

Year Sunk
1928
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
1,274 GRT

The cold, clear waters of the Baltic Sea hold the story of the Swedish steamship 'Altair', which met its end on a foggy day in 1928. While on a voyage from Luleå to Oxelösund laden with iron ore, the 'Altair' collided with the German steamer 'Arcturus'. The impact was severe, and despite efforts to save her, the 'Altair' succumbed to the sea, sinking to the seabed where she now rests.

Lying at a depth of 25 meters, the 'Altair' is an excellent dive for those with advanced training. The visibility in the Baltic can be superb, offering breathtaking views of the largely intact vessel. As a 'non-dangerous' wreck, it provides a relatively safe framework for exploration. Divers can glide along its decks, peer into cargo holds that once brimmed with ore, and admire the ship's classic early 20th-century lines. The wreck is a solemn memorial, preserved by the low salinity and cold temperatures of the Baltic, offering a silent testament to a maritime tragedy from nearly a century ago.

Best Time to Dive in Baltic Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Baltic Coast occur in January, averaging 0.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 0.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 0.6°C (air: -0.4°C)
  • February: 0.6°C (air: -0.3°C)
  • March: 0.6°C (air: 1.7°C)
  • April: 0.6°C (air: 4.6°C)
  • May: 0.6°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • June: 0.6°C (air: 17.2°C)
  • July: 0.6°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • August: 0.6°C (air: 17.3°C)
  • September: 0.6°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • October: 0.6°C (air: 8.5°C)
  • November: 0.6°C (air: 3.8°C)
  • December: 0.6°C (air: -0.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Baltic Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Altair

Marine Life in Baltic Coast

Home to 59 recorded species including 31 reef fish, 9 seagrass & algae, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 other, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Altair

Based on average water temperature of 0.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 1°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