LORD STRATHCONA

Good diving all year

Protected Area

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Why dive here

With 65+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LORD STRATHCONA offers some of Newfoundland's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 0-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeYear-round

WetsuitA drysuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 65+ species recorded

Water0-14°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 40m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Lord Strathcona wreck isn't just a dive, it's a cold-water history lesson. We're talking a proper steamship, torpedoed in 1942 right off Wabana, now sitting upright at 40 metres. That’s deep, and the water is *cold*, so a drysuit and good thermal protection are non-negotiable here. Dropping down, the sheer scale of the Strathcona hits you. It’s a big ship, well-preserved by the chill, and the holds are surprisingly open to exploration if you've got the wreck certs and a good guide. We love poking around the bow, where the torpedo impact is still evident – a visceral reminder of its fate. Our favourite part has to be the mast, often bristling with anemones and the occasional large cod, slowly disappearing into the gloom above. Visibility can be excellent on a calm day, 20 metres isn't uncommon, letting you appreciate the full length of the deck. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate maritime history and aren’t fazed by the deep and the cold.

Typical LORD STRATHCONA Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 11°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today05:4416:5511h 11m daylightGolden hour 16:14

Nearest Dive Centres to LORD STRATHCONA

Dive shops near LORD STRATHCONA

Ocean Quest Adventure Resort

15km away

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Reviews for LORD STRATHCONA

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LORD STRATHCONA

LORD STRATHCONA Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for LORD STRATHCONA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (47.85, -53.09) (38km away)