SKAGERAK - West Coast (Gothenburg)

The Skagerak wreck is a big one, a ferry that went down in 1966 off Gothenburg. Lying at 25 metres, it's pretty much intact, offering a decent dive for those with some wreck experience. You can poke around the car deck and some of the superstructure, which feels a bit eerie knowing it was a passenger vessel just before it sank. These days, the bulkheads are colonised by anemones and plumose corals, and we often spot cod and pollack hanging about, especially inside the darker areas. It’s a solid wreck dive, giving you a real sense of its past life.

Location
West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.527832, 9.665167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

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 SKAGERAK

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 SKAGERAK

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

What are the typical diving depths and maximum depths encountered when diving in the Skagerrak?
When diving the Skagerrak wreck, divers can expect typical depths around 25 meters. This depth is consistent for exploring the entirety of this historic ferry vessel, which offers a unique underwater experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features, such as wrecks or reefs, can divers expect to see in the Skagerrak?
The primary underwater feature divers can expect to see in the Skagerrak is the impressive wreck of a ferry vessel, sunk on September 7, 1966. This 87.2m x 16.8m structure provides a fascinating exploration opportunity. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, wrecks often attract various species over time.
How challenging are the dive conditions in the Skagerrak, particularly regarding currents and overall difficulty for divers?
Diving conditions at the Skagerrak are classified as intermediate difficulty. This site is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that divers should be aware of. While specific current patterns are not detailed, divers should always be prepared for varying conditions when exploring such sites.
What is considered the best time of year to dive in the Skagerrak for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Skagerrak for optimal conditions or marine life sightings is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in Sweden, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are typically required or highly recommended for diving in the Skagerrak's conditions?
Given the Skagerrak's intermediate difficulty and its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," certifications beyond basic open water are highly recommended. Divers should ideally possess advanced certifications, such as Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver specialties, to safely navigate the 25-meter depth and potential complexities of a wreck environment.
What are the prevailing water temperatures, visibility, and current patterns divers should be aware of in the Skagerrak?
Specific details regarding prevailing water temperatures, visibility, and current patterns for the Skagerrak dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers planning to explore this site should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions before their dive.