Notes strong currents and a 27 m wreck depth.
Slack-tide wreck with conger eels and crabs.
Slack-tide wreck with conger eels and crabs.
Alex Van Opstel (Wreck) is a Portland Bill wreck dive with a broken-off stern section and a strong-current setting that makes slack tide the key planning point. Conger eels, crabs, lobster, and shoals of fish are the usual draw, and the wreck rewards tight timing and careful gas management more than a long, relaxed drift.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
20m - 30m
Depth Note
The main wreck is around 27-30 m, with the highest point about 7 m above the seabed and the stern section separated from the main wreck.
Best Season
Late summer into early autumn, when warmer water and cleaner visibility are more likely.
Typical Conditions
Cold-water wreck diving on sand and gravel, with strong current and variable visibility around slack tide windows.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use a slack-tide plan, keep the stern separation in mind, and watch your gas and line discipline in strong current.
Access Restrictions
Slack tide is mandatory because of strong currents in the area.
Legal Notes
Follow skipper and tidal guidance; do not push the wreck outside the slack window.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
This is a deeper wreck with a broken stern section and a short workable window, so conservative gas planning matters.
Freediving
Not a freedive site; the depth and tide make it scuba only.
Snorkeling
Not suitable for snorkel use.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Notes strong currents and a 27 m wreck depth.
Portland dive-base context with local wreck access and support facilities.
Trip report mentions September diving, warmer water, excellent viz, and wreck-life around Portland.
Provides the wreck depth and Portland tide timing context.
Lists the wreck in the 20-30 m / 30 m Portland wreck band.
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