MARIA BRES - West Coast (Gothenburg)

Maria Bres isn't your average Swedish wreck dive. Forget deep, dark, and featureless. This former motor vessel, lying at a comfortable 21 metres, feels surprisingly vibrant for a site in our cooler waters. We love how the hull has become a canvas for life; the deck plating is a patchwork of colourful anemones and dead man’s fingers, swaying gently with any surge. The stern section is particularly photogenic, with the propeller still largely intact and barnacle-encrusted, drawing in curious cod and wrasse. Our pick for exploration is the bridge area, now a skeletal frame, but still evocative of its past. You can fin through open doorways, imagining the crew's last moments before it ran aground in '74 and eventually broke up. Visibility here can be excellent, especially in late summer, giving you clear views across the entire 64-metre length. It’s a comfortable dive for those with some wreck experience – no tricky penetrations, just good, honest exploration of a well-preserved piece of maritime history. Dive it on a calm day; it’s exposed, and a little swell makes the journey out less fun.

Location
West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.983334, 10.783333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Marine Protected Area: Koster

Best Time to Dive in West Coast (Gothenburg)

The warmest water temperatures in West Coast (Gothenburg) occur in January, averaging 1.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 1.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 1.9°C (air: 1.7°C)
  • February: 1.9°C (air: 1.9°C)
  • March: 1.9°C (air: 3.2°C)
  • April: 1.9°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • May: 1.9°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 1.9°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • July: 1.9°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • August: 1.9°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • September: 1.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
  • October: 1.9°C (air: 10.0°C)
  • November: 1.9°C (air: 5.6°C)
  • December: 1.9°C (air: 1.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in West Coast (Gothenburg)

Nearest Dive Centres to MARIA BRES

Marine Life in West Coast (Gothenburg)

Home to 134 recorded species including 70 reef fish, 10 other, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 seagrass & algae, 8 clams & mussels, 7 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for MARIA BRES

Based on average water temperature of 1.9°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 2°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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the MARIA BRES wreck dive site?
The MARIA BRES wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 21 meters. This depth makes it accessible for divers with appropriate certifications for intermediate-level wreck diving.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the MARIA BRES wreck?
Divers exploring the MARIA BRES can expect to see the remains of a motor vessel that sank on November 25, 1974. This substantial wreck measures 64.6m x 11m, offering a significant structure to explore. It is classified as a dangerous wreck, indicating potential hazards that require careful diving.
What is the difficulty level for diving the MARIA BRES wreck?
Diving the MARIA BRES wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests that divers should have some experience and appropriate training for wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the MARIA BRES?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the MARIA BRES. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Sweden, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the MARIA BRES wreck?
While specific certifications are not listed, given the MARIA BRES is an intermediate difficulty wreck and classified as "Dangerous," divers should possess advanced certifications. These typically include advanced open water and specialized wreck diving certifications to safely navigate its features.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the MARIA BRES dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents or visibility conditions at the MARIA BRES dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.