Diving the Wreck of the Delphin

Site Overview

Wreck of the Delphin is a wreck dive site in Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg), Germany, reached from the base town of Starnberg. The Delphin is a steamer wreck resting at 18-28 m in Starnberger See, its hull and fittings preserved in the cold, clear water. It is the lake’s signature wreck dive, with pike and char in the surrounding depths. The site reaches a maximum depth of 28 m with an average profile around 22 m and a shallow start near 18 m, which places it firmly in the advanced category and means divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the alpine lake environment: visibility generally runs from 8 to 25 metres, the current is weak, and the water temperature ranges between 4 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Northern Pike, European Perch, Arctic Char, Brown Trout, Common Roach, Common Whitefish, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wreck topography and sand and wood substrate gives Wreck of the Delphin its distinctive character within the Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) region. Wreck of the Delphin 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 Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) 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.