Shirala
Divers exploring this Sussex wreck will encounter an abundance of marine life commonly found in the area. Expect to see Edible Crabs, Lobsters, Shoals of Bib, and Conger Eels, adding to the allure of this fascinating dive.
The 5300 ton Shirala was not just a cargo vessel but also a passenger liner, making it a unique exploration opportunity. Its four holds were filled with a variety of items, including elephant tusks, Dundee marmalade in stone jars, wine, and munitions intended for the Indian Army. While the ivory tusks were salvaged in 1978, the shifting shingle surrounding the wreck may limit the discoveries these days. As you descend, you'll find the bows pointing towards the South, and the stern, which stands at an impressive 8m high, serving as the highest point of the wreck.
With a visibility of 25m and a maximum depth of 15m, this dive is best suited for advanced and expert divers seeking a thrilling underwater adventure. Located in England, this close-to-shore dive site promises a memorable immersion into history and marine wonders.
Diving Conditions Score for Shirala
Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Shirala
Depth
15m
Visibility
25m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Shirala
Wave Height
0.26m
Wind Speed
23 m/s
Water Temp
19.5°C
Visibility
37.82km
Cloud Cover
84%
Wave Period
6.25s
Air Temperature
18.2°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Shirala
Best time to dive: 15:00 with score 8.208702290076335/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.26m, Wind 4.3 m/s.Best night dive time: 2:00 with score 7.29487922705314/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Shirala are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 8.2/10
Waves: 0.26m (6.55s), Wind: 4.3 m/s
Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.44m, Wind: 12.2 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for ShiralaAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Shirala
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Shirala
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Shirala
Ideal Conditions for Shirala
Water Temp
25.1°C / 77.2°F
June
Visibility
20.1m / 65.9ft
October
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Shirala
Shirala shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (25.1°C) and December the coldest (21.1°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 21, 2026