Diving the Greifswalder Bodden

Site Overview

Greifswalder Bodden is a training and reef dive site in Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, reached from the base town of Greifswald. The Greifswalder Bodden is a large, shallow brackish lagoon ideal for beginner training, with pike and perch among the weeds and an easy shore entry. It is a relaxed freshwater-meets-sea environment perfect for courses. The site reaches a maximum depth of 8 m with an average profile around 5 m and a shallow start near 1 m, which places it firmly in the beginner category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Baltic Sea environment: visibility generally runs from 3 to 11 metres, the current is weak, and the water temperature ranges between 6 and 20 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Northern Pike, Common Roach, European Perch, Common Rudd, European Eel, Tench, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of slope, artificial topography and sand and weed substrate gives Greifswalder Bodden its distinctive character within the Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. Greifswalder Bodden is a strong representative of why German diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define the country's underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck, reef or freshwater enthusiasts alike. As with every German dive, a drysuit and a careful respect for cold-water limits turn a good day into a great one.