Explore Cork

Diving in County Cork offers an unforgettable experience, renowned for its diverse marine environments and rich history. The waters around Cork host a wide array of marine life, from playful seals to vibrant nudibranchs, providing divers with a dynamic underwater adventure. The coastline here is dotted with enchanting dive sites, including colorful reefs, sheer walls, and historic shipwrecks. One of the standout features is the MV Kowloon Bridge, a popular site not just for experienced divers but also for snorkelers and beginners seeking scenic underwater landscapes.

Most diving excursions in Cork are conducted from the shore or daily boat dives, ensuring easy access to its underwater treasures. The dive centers in the region are well-equipped, but it's advisable to book in advance to secure your spot. With water temperatures ranging from 10°C/50°F in winter to 18°C/64°F in summer, a thick wetsuit or dry suit is recommended for year-round comfort. Visibility varies, typically ranging from 5 to 30 meters, offering clear views of the abundant aquatic life.

Adding to the allure, Cork's dive sites are steeped in history, home to one of the world's largest collections of shipwrecks by tonnage. Enthusiasts can explore these underwater time capsules while enjoying the region's scenic beauty, making diving in County Cork a truly special adventure.

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    • Dive Activity

    Diving in Cork

    Cork offers an impressive array of dive sites that attract adventurers from around the globe. The wreck of the "Kowloon Bridge" is a notable highlight, offering an awe-inspiring wreck dive experience near the Fastnet Rock. Its massive size and depth challenge divers while revealing fascinating marine life and history beneath the waves. Another popular site is the "U-260" wreck, a German submarine resting at the bottom of Bantry Bay, providing a thrilling exploration for more advanced divers.

    Shore diving enthusiasts can explore sites like the "Sandycove Wall," which is accessible and teeming with vibrant marine life. Unique experiences include night dives, where seasonal plankton blooms create a bioluminescent spectacle. The waters around County Cork also offer a balance between shore and liveaboard diving, catering to divers who prefer structured itineraries or spontaneous shoreline adventures. From historical wrecks to mesmerizing night dives, Cork promises unforgettable underwater experiences.

    Dive Centers

    Cork Scuba and Freediving Centre, corkdivecentre@gmail.com

    Cork Scuba and Freediving Centre, corkdivecentre@gmail.com

    Unit 14, Airport East Technology Park, T12 ETY0 Cork, Ireland
    Mizen Dive School

    Mizen Dive School

    Midland, P81 XY09 Co, Cork, Ireland

    Dive Sites

    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    The Chicago <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

    The Chicago (★3.9)

    This was a 100-year-old liner that ran up on the rocks. It lies in 9 to 20 meters of water. The ship is well broken up, but there are some nice swim-throughs. You can still see the boiler engine and prop shaft.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Sandycove <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.6)</span>

    Sandycove (★3.6)

    Shallow training site. Sandy bottom. Sheltered from most wind directions. It,s not very tidal except on big spring tides. The shallowest part is closest to the slip going from about 1m to 10m.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Santos (Wreck) <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Santos (Wreck) (★4.4)

    The Santos is a 100-year-old dredger wreck. It is well broken up but with nice features which include the dredger buckets, gears, and engine. The wreck lies at approximately 30 meters deep. You should always dive this wreck at slack tide.
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    UC42 Cork <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    UC42 Cork (★4.1)

    This is a WWI submarine wreck which blew up on one of its own mines. It lies in approximately 28 meters of water. Features include the props conning tower and torpedo tides. This site should be dived in slack water. This is a war grave and should be respected as so.

    The best Months to Dive in Cork

    Cork offers year-round diving opportunities, with conditions varying by season. During summer, water temperatures range from 14°C–16°C/57°F–61°F, offering pleasant diving conditions. In winter, however, temperatures drop to 8°C–10°C/46°F–50°F, requiring more protective gear. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 20 meters/33 to 66 feet, though it can vary depending on weather conditions.

    Strong winds and currents can impact diving conditions throughout the year, particularly during autumn and winter storms. These factors may reduce visibility and create challenging dive conditions. While diving is possible year-round, the best conditions are typically found in late spring to early autumn, when calmer seas and warmer waters make for a more enjoyable experience.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Cork

    Cork, located on the southern coast of Ireland, offers a rich marine biodiversity that attracts divers from around the world. The waters around Cork are home to common reef fish such as pollock, wrasse, and conger eels, which are frequently encountered throughout the year. These species thrive around the rocky reefs and kelp forests, providing a colorful underwater landscape.

    Seasonal highlights include sightings of basking sharks and sunfish during the warmer months from May to September, when these gentle giants migrate through the area. Although less common, leatherback turtles are occasionally spotted, particularly in late summer. Divers may also encounter rays and the occasional porbeagle shark, especially in deeper waters. The likelihood of encountering these species varies with water temperature and migration patterns, making each dive a unique experience.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    11 Sightings
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    4
    J
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    J
    3
    A
    1
    S
    3
    O
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    3 Sightings
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    M
    2
    J
    1
    J
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    3 Sightings
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    J
    1
    J
    2
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Sea Lion

    Sea Lion
    2 Sightings
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    1
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    1
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    1 Sightings
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    1
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    36 Sightings
    J
    0
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    A
    2
    M
    9
    J
    3
    J
    9
    A
    7
    S
    6
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    13 Sightings
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    M
    3
    J
    1
    J
    4
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
    Pollock

    Pollock
    11 Sightings
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    M
    6
    J
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    J
    2
    A
    2
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    10 Sightings
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    4
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    3
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
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    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 190

    Alamy-Water Frame
    Conger Eel

    Conger Eel
    8 Sightings
    J
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    A
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    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    2
    A
    1
    S
    2
    O
    0
    N
    0
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    0
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    4 Sightings
    J
    1
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    M
    2
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    0
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    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    4 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    0
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    0
    M
    0
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    O
    1
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster
    4 Sightings
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    2
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    2
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    0
    AdobeStock-_italo
    Moon Jellyfish

    Moon Jellyfish
    4 Sightings
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    1
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    2
    J
    1
    A
    0
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    O
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    0
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    3 Sightings
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    3
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    0
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    0
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    k
    Blue Jellyfish

    Blue Jellyfish
    2 Sightings
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    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    1
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    2 Sightings
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    1
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    0
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    0
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    1
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    0
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    2 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
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    0
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    0
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    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    2 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
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    0
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    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    2 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 19

    Alamy-Alex Mustard
    Seal

    Seal
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
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    0
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    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
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    0
    Alamy-Nature Picture Library
    Basking Shark

    Basking Shark
    2 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Shutterstock-s_a_j
    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Cuttlefish

    Cuttlefish
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
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    0
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    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock-Vladimir Wrangel
    Sole

    Sole
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    1 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
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    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    1 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
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    0
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    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
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    0
    J
    0
    A
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    O
    1
    N
    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    1 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
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    0
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    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Shutterstock-COZ
    Mullet

    Mullet
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Stonefish

    Stonefish
    1 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
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    0
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    0
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    0
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    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 22

    Shutterstock-andrzej_67
    Cod

    Cod
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 400

    Shutterstock-Pavaphon Supanantananont
    Blennis

    Blennis

    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Alamy-Nature Photographers Ltd
    Skate Fish

    Skate Fish
    1 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0