SS Valencia - Pacific Northwest

The MV Goya isn't just a wreck, it's a somber echo of history, resting upright on the seabed off Bornholm. Dropping down, the sheer scale hits you first. This former Norwegian freighter, repurposed by the Germans and sunk in 1945, is incredibly intact. We love exploring the bow, where the torpedo impact tore a massive hole, an eerie reminder of its final moments. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble – anything from a glorious 15 metres to a murky five, so pick your day carefully, ideally after a few calm ones. Inside, where careful penetration is possible for trained wreck divers, you might still glimpse a bicycle or a helmet among the collapsing decks. Outside, schools of sprat shimmer like liquid silver, and we’ve often seen Atlantic cod lurking in the shadows. Look closely, and you’ll spot blue mussels clinging to the steel plates, alongside the more unusual boreal astarte. It's a dive that combines profound historical weight with the stark beauty of a cold-water artificial reef. For experienced wreck divers, it’s a truly moving experience.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
48.705555, -125.005840
Type
wreck

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to SS Valencia

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for SS Valencia

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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