Little Belt
Little Belt, a narrow strait in Denmark, offers a unique diving experience defined by its powerful currents and rich biodiversity. The area is renowned for its wall dives, where currents sweep past steep drop-offs covered in colourful anemones, sea squirts, and sponges. This dynamic environment creates a nutrient-rich habitat that supports a dense concentration of marine life, making it a distinctive cold-water destination. Divers can explore a variety of sites accessible from both shore and boat, each presenting a different facet of the Baltic Sea's underwater world.
Diving in Little Belt is characterized by cold water and variable visibility, often requiring a drysuit and experience with currents. However, the rewards are significant. The strait is one of the world's most densely populated areas for harbour porpoises, offering a rare chance for encounters. Beyond the unique fauna, divers are drawn to historical wrecks and the challenge of drift diving in a stunning Scandinavian setting. It’s an ideal destination for experienced cold-water enthusiasts seeking something different from tropical reefs.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Little Belt, Denmark?
The Old Little Belt Bridge is the most iconic dive site. The bridge pillars act as artificial reefs, creating spectacular vertical walls covered in anemones, mussels, and sponges. It's a thrilling drift dive where strong currents bring nutrients, attracting schools of fish and creating a vibrant, colourful ecosystem. Its accessibility and stunning underwater scenery make it a must-do for any diver visiting Little Belt, Denmark.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Little Belt, Denmark?
Popular sites include the famous wall dive at the Old Little Belt Bridge and the easy shore dive at Søbadet, great for training and macro life. For a less-crowded experience, explore Ammoniakhavnen for its unique industrial structures and resident crabs. Another hidden gem is the wreck of the 'MF Gylfe', a deeper dive for experienced divers offering a glimpse into maritime history. These sites showcase the diverse diving available in Little Belt, Denmark.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Little Belt, Denmark?
Water temperatures in Little Belt, Denmark are cold year-round. In winter (Dec-Mar), expect frigid temperatures of 2-5°C (36-41°F). Temperatures rise in spring to 5-12°C (41-54°F). The peak summer months (Jul-Aug) offer the warmest conditions, ranging from 14-18°C (57-64°F) in the surface layers. Autumn sees temperatures drop back down to 8-13°C (46-55°F). A drysuit is highly recommended.
When is the best time to visit Little Belt, Denmark?
The best time to dive in Little Belt, Denmark is from late summer to early autumn, typically August through October. During this period, the water is at its warmest, reaching up to 18°C (64°F), and underwater visibility is often at its best after the summer algae bloom has subsided. The weather is generally pleasant for surface intervals, and the currents, while always present, can be more predictable. This window provides the most comfortable conditions for exploring the area's unique sites.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Little Belt, Denmark?
Visibility in Little Belt, Denmark is highly variable and depends on weather, tides, and seasonal algae blooms. On a good day, especially in late summer and autumn, you can expect visibility of 5-10 meters (16-33 feet), and occasionally up to 15 meters (50 feet). However, after heavy rain or during spring plankton blooms, it can drop to less than 3 meters (10 feet). Diving around slack tide often provides the best clarity.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Little Belt, Denmark?
While you won't find large tropical species, Little Belt, Denmark is famous for having one of the world's densest populations of harbour porpoises. The chances of seeing or hearing these small cetaceans are highest during the summer months when they come to feed and breed. There are no large-scale migrations like whale sharks, but the reliable presence of the porpoises is the key seasonal event for wildlife enthusiasts diving in this unique strait.
What marine life can I expect to see in Little Belt, Denmark?
The waters of Little Belt, Denmark are teeming with cold-water marine life. You can expect to see harbour porpoises, various crab species, lobsters, and starfish. Fish life includes cod, wrasse, lumpfish (in spring), and various flatfish like flounder and plaice. The walls are covered in colourful plumose anemones, sea squirts, and sponges. This rich biodiversity is a key attraction for divers exploring the area's current-swept sites.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Little Belt, Denmark?
A drysuit is the standard and highly recommended gear for diving in Little Belt, Denmark, regardless of the season. The water temperature rarely exceeds 18°C (64°F). For those extremely tolerant of the cold, a 7mm semi-dry wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and boots might be sufficient for a single summer dive, but a drysuit provides superior thermal protection for safer and more enjoyable diving.
How do I get to Little Belt, Denmark?
To reach Little Belt, Denmark, the most convenient international airport is Billund Airport (BLL), about an hour's drive away. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is another option, a 2.5-hour drive. From either airport, you can rent a car or take a train to the main towns bordering the strait, such as Middelfart on the island of Funen or Fredericia in Jutland. These towns serve as the primary hubs for local dive centers.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Little Belt, Denmark?
Diving in Little Belt, Denmark is exclusively shore-based. There are no liveaboard operations in this region. Divers typically stay in local towns like Middelfart or Fredericia and dive with local centers. Dives are conducted either directly from the shore at accessible points or from day boats (often RIBs) for sites like the bridge pillars or offshore wrecks. This setup offers flexibility and access to onshore amenities after diving.