ROSE CASTLE - Newfoundland

Dropping onto the Rose Castle is like stepping back into a moment of wartime history. This steamship, torpedoed by U-518 in 1942, sits upright at 24 metres, remarkably intact for a vessel of its size. We found the sheer scale impressive, with the bow and stern still well-defined, and the massive boilers a clear focal point midships. While the immediate area can get silty, particularly if stirred, the wreck itself provides plenty of cover for local cod and sculpins. It’s a compelling dive for those who appreciate a substantial piece of maritime history and don't mind the chill of the North Atlantic.

Location
Newfoundland, Canada, North America
Coordinates
47.600834, -52.965000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Newfoundland

The warmest water temperatures in Newfoundland occur in August, averaging 15.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 0.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 2.3°C
  • February: 1.1°C
  • March: 0.3°C
  • April: 1.3°C
  • May: 3.9°C
  • June: 7.3°C
  • July: 12.4°C
  • August: 15.9°C
  • September: 14.6°C
  • October: 11.9°C
  • November: 8.0°C
  • December: 4.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Newfoundland

Nearest Dive Centres to ROSE CASTLE

Marine Life in Newfoundland

Home to 72 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 13 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 soft corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ROSE CASTLE

Based on average water temperature of 7.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Drysuit - water at 7°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 SS Rose Castle shipwreck dive site?
The SS Rose Castle shipwreck dive site has a maximum depth of 24 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience. You can find more details about this historic dive site on its dedicated page: SS Rose Castle.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the SS Rose Castle wreck?
While the SS Rose Castle is a significant historical wreck, specific details regarding the marine life and historical artifacts found on the wreck itself are not available in our current data for this site. Wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. For general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the SS Rose Castle wreck in Newfoundland?
Diving the SS Rose Castle wreck in Newfoundland is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions. Always ensure you are properly trained and equipped for the dive.
What are the typical water temperatures and visibility conditions at the SS Rose Castle dive site?
Our current data for the SS Rose Castle dive site does not include specific information on typical water temperatures or visibility conditions. These factors can vary significantly by season and local weather. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the SS Rose Castle shipwreck?
The specific diving certifications recommended or required to dive the SS Rose Castle shipwreck are not detailed in our current data. However, given its intermediate difficulty classification and status as a wreck dive, advanced open water certification and potentially a wreck diving specialty certification would generally be advisable. Always check with local dive centers for their specific requirements.
When is the best time of year to plan a dive trip to the SS Rose Castle wreck?
Our current information for the SS Rose Castle wreck does not specify the best time of year to plan a dive trip. Factors like water temperature, visibility, and local weather patterns typically influence the optimal diving season. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, you can visit our When to Dive section.