Diving Poel Island

Site Overview

Poel Island is a wall and reef dive site in Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, reached from the base town of Wismar. Poel Island sits at the mouth of Wismar Bay with rocky walls and slopes that attract cod and the occasional large flatfish. It is a quiet, less-dived alternative to the busy Darß, good for relaxed exploration. The site reaches a maximum depth of 22 m with an average profile around 14 m and a shallow start near 5 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Baltic Sea environment: visibility generally runs from 4 to 13 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 6 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, European Plaice, Pollock, Common Cuttlefish, Nudibranchs (Flabellina spp.), Spider Crab, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wall, reef topography and rock and sand substrate gives Poel Island its distinctive character within the Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. Poel Island 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.