Diving in Skagerrak
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Skagerrak's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Skagerrak, sea. This region features 22 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Skagerrak has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
Countries in Skagerrak (2)
Popular Spots in Skagerrak (22)
Boviken
Boviken is located at the northwest corner of Hamburgö, accessible by ferry and car with nearby parking available. The site features a sandy area where various types of flounders can be observed. During the colder months, divers can encounter numerous nudibranchs. Following the rocky formations, lobsters and crabs can also be found. This site is suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving, with entry from the shore.
Fossen Camping
Fossen Camping is accessible during the camping season and requires a small entry fee. The site features a silty bottom interspersed with rocky patches, and divers can explore walls and areas of eelgrass. Facilities include toilets and parking located close to the water. The dive site accommodates divers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Marine life includes crayfish, tadpole fish, plaice, lobster, cod, rock gunnel, and cuckoo wrasse. In spring, divers may also encounter eelgrass nudibranchs within the eelgrass beds.
Guleskär
Guleskär is recognized as one of the premier dive sites in the Väderörerna area, featuring diverse underwater landscapes characterized by walls and slopes that descend to greater depths. The site is known for its rich marine life, particularly during the winter and spring months when various species of nudibranchs are prevalent, although they can be observed throughout the year. Divers may also encounter seals during their dives, adding to the site's appeal. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Hobby
The wreck of the fishing vessel Hobby is located outside Svestad pier, resting at a depth between fifty-eight and sixty-eight meters. This wreck was intentionally sunk a few years ago and lies on its keel. Due to the significant depth, access to the site is limited to technical divers. Marine life observed in the area includes fiddler crabs and cod, along with local vegetation. The wreck offers various interesting details for divers to explore.
Jordfall
Jordfall is a shore dive site located at coordinates 58.329400, 11.570100. The area features convenient parking near the water for a small fee, and facilities include a toilet. The dive site is suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to experts. The bottom primarily consists of silty substrate interspersed with rocky formations and an intriguing crevice. Marine life commonly observed here includes blue striped square lobsters, Yarrel's blennies, tadpole fish, topknots, Norwegian crayfish, fireworks anemones, phosphorescent sea pens, and tall sea pens.
Kjovangen Brygge
Kjovangen Brygge offers divers a wall dive characterized by diverse underwater fauna. The site features rock formations and a sandy bottom, with the wall located west of the pier reaching a maximum depth of 20 meters. Marine life includes crabs, seals, lobsters, small-spotted catsharks, cod, flounders, nudibranchs, and skates, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Lilla Klättarna
Lilla Klättarna is accessed by boat from the eastern side of the island. Divers can follow a sloping bottom to their left, where the sandy substrate is found at depths of approximately 30 to 35 meters. The site features a terraced wall that provides a habitat for various marine life. Notable species include coo-coo wrasse, pipefish among the vegetation, edible crabs, nudibranchs, lump suckers, dead man's fingers, and various sponges.
Lilla Knappan
Lilla Knappan offers a dive that begins in a canyon at depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters, progressing northward. As divers move further out, they will encounter boulders. Following the wall on the right side allows for a gradual ascent, enabling a safety stop at 5 meters. The site is rich in marine life, featuring various nudibranchs, lobsters, edible crabs, and cod, along with a diverse array of seaweed.
Nörra Dyngön
Nörra Dyngön is a dive site located in Skärgärden, characterized by its east/southeast facing walls and slopes that descend to depths of 35-40 meters. This site serves as a suitable alternative for divers unable to visit Väderöerna. Common marine life includes cuckoo wrasse and various nudibranchs. Divers may also encounter lobsters hiding under the rocks during the appropriate season.
Ormestad
Ormestad is situated deep within Gullmarsfjorden. Access to the site requires a small fee paid to a local farmer, who also provides a code for the road barrier. Parking is limited. The dive site features a variety of marine life, including lobsters, fussy sea cucumbers, and cod. During winter months, divers may encounter deep sea king crabs. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Rågstuten nr. 2
Rågstuten nr. 2 is located in the southeastern region of the southern part of Väderöerna. This dive site features a classic wall that provides ample opportunities to observe a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see numerous nudibranchs, lobsters, edible crabs, and cod, along with various other fish species. The underwater environment is also rich in different types of seaweed, contributing to the site's biodiversity. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Sinbad
Sinbad's Armada is situated at the end of Nordre Brygge, with depths ranging from 12 to 18 meters. The wreck remains upright on its keel, with the bow oriented towards the fjord. Divers may encounter schools of small barracudas near the wreck or on the seabed. Additionally, the wreck is home to decorative crabs, which can be spotted by attentive divers.
Skår
Skår offers a shore entry for divers, with convenient parking located near the water. Divers can access the site from the red boathouse or the stony beach to the right. An outhouse is available on-site. When diving towards the right, be cautious of ferry traffic. The marine life here includes dead man's fingers, lobsters, common whelk, ling, edible crab, hooknose, and dragonet, among other species.
Skitrarna
Skitrarna features a diverse underwater landscape with slopes and walls that descend to significant depths. The site is characterized by large stone boulders, which provide shelter for various fish species. While currents can occur, divers can easily access the site from the shore. Notably, the area is home to numerous nudibranch species, particularly abundant during the winter and spring months, although they can be observed throughout the year.
Södra Ärholmen
Södra Ärholmen is located in the southeastern region of the Väderöerna archipelago. This site features a classic wall dive that provides opportunities to observe a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see numerous nudibranchs, lobsters, edible crabs, and cod, along with various other fish species. The underwater environment is enriched with diverse types of seaweed, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Sortebill
Sortebill is accessed from the shore at the southern pier of the outer marina. Divers begin their descent at this corner, reaching a line at a depth of 10 meters that leads deeper to 19 meters. At this point, there is a break in the line, which continues into open water until reaching the wreck of Captain Sortebill's ship, located at a depth of 30 meters. The wreck measures 15.5 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width. The site is known for its abundance of small fish and the wreck is heavily overgrown. Divers may also encounter the captain and his wife, and with some luck, a king crab may be spotted.
Stora Knappen
Stora Knappen is located in the northern region of Väderöerna and features a step wall dive that descends to depths of 35-40 meters. Divers should be prepared for potentially strong currents and swell conditions. Marine life commonly observed at this site includes spider crabs, edible crabs, and various nudibranchs such as the sea lemon and quadri liniata, along with brittle stars.
Stora Sundskär
Stora Sundskär features a wall that descends in steps to approximately 40 meters. Divers may encounter some current, typical of the Väderöerna area. The wall is characterized by numerous cracks that provide shelter for various marine life. Notable species include nudibranchs, lobsters, edible crabs, cod, and other common fish. The site also hosts a variety of seaweed.
Torsöfläcken
Torsöfläcken features an underwater mountain that rises to a depth of 5 meters, sloping downwards in all directions to a sandy bottom found at depths of 22 to 25 meters. The site includes various plateaus at different depths. The upper region is characterized by diverse kelp species, which provide habitat for marine life such as pipefish, lobsters, nudibranchs, and various crabs, along with a variety of fish species. Divers should be aware that currents may be present in the area.
Trollskär
Trollskär is recognized as one of the premier dive sites at Väderörerna, featuring diverse underwater landscapes characterized by walls and slopes that lead to greater depths. During the winter and spring months, divers can observe a variety of nudibranchs, along with marine life such as lobsters, butterfish, and sea stars. The site is also known for occasional seal sightings while diving. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Vinsjen
Vinsjen is located just outside the course platform, reaching a depth of 36 meters. Divers can find an anonymous line a few meters below the barge, which leads 51 meters out to a winch. This area is known for the presence of troll crabs, which are more commonly found at greater depths. During winter months, the cooler temperatures at this depth attract a wider variety of marine life compared to the shallower waters.
Virrholmarna
Virrholmarna offers a diverse underwater environment characterized by a wall and slope teeming with marine life. The site is a suitable alternative for divers when conditions at Väderöerna are not favorable due to high waves. Expect to encounter a variety of nudibranchs, lobsters, edible crabs, and cod, along with numerous other fish species. The area is also rich in different types of seaweed, contributing to the overall biodiversity. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this vibrant ecosystem.