MERKURIUS - West Coast (Gothenburg)

Merkurius isn't your typical pretty wreck dive, but it's one we always enjoy, especially if you’re looking for something with a bit of a story and easy access. She was a steamship, blown up in 1947, and what's left is spread out in just 5 metres of water. We love the sheer force of it – massive chunks of twisted metal, boilers, and plates scattered across the seabed. It’s less about penetration and more about seeing how nature reclaims something so violently destroyed. Visibility can be a bit variable here; we've seen it anywhere from a murky few metres to a decent 10, so picking your day is key. Our favourite time to dive Merkurius is on a calm, sunny morning when the light penetrates the shallows, illuminating the wreckage. Look closely and you'll find plenty of life sheltering amongst the debris: small crabs scuttling, gobies peering from crevices, and often schools of juvenile fish darting between the frames. It's a great spot for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to practise in shallow conditions.

Location: West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 57.266167, 9.583500
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 5m

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to MERKURIUS

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

Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - Reef Fish
whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) - Reef Fish
dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) - Whales & Dolphins
sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
Fluke (Platichthys flesus) - Reef Fish
harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) - Whales & Dolphins
irish moss, carragheen (Chondrus crispus) - Seagrass & Algae
bull rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius) - Reef Fish
grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
hake (Merluccius merluccius) - Reef Fish
four-bearded rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius) - Reef Fish
Corkwing (Symphodus melops) - Reef Fish
snake blenny (Lumpenus lampretaeformis) - Reef Fish
eel (Anguilla anguilla) - Reef Fish
Common sea star (Asterias rubens) - Starfish
Spotted Dragonet (Callionymus maculatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for MERKURIUS

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