Släggö

Släggö is a beginner-friendly island dive on Sweden's west coast that introduces divers to the rich cold-water ecosystems of the Bohuslän archipelago. This small island, surrounded by granite formations and kelp forests, provides sheltered conditions along its leeward shores that welcome newer divers while delivering the marine biodiversity that makes this coastline a destination for underwater enthusiasts from across Scandinavia. The approach to Släggö typically involves a short boat ride from nearby harbors along the Bohuslän coast. The island's position in the archipelago means it is partially protected from the full force of the open North Sea, while still receiving the clean, nutrient-rich Atlantic water that drives the extraordinary productivity of these waters. Entry points around the island vary in exposure, and choosing the sheltered side based on wind and swell conditions ensures comfortable diving for all experience levels. Beneath the surface, Släggö reveals the characteristic underwater landscape of the Swedish west coast. Granite boulders and bedrock formations create a dramatic topography of walls, crevices, and swim-throughs that extend from the shallows down to moderate depths. Every surface is encrusted with life, from the orange and white soft corals known as dead man's fingers to colorful sea anemones that dot the rocky walls. Kelp forests dominate the shallower zones, their canopy swaying rhythmically with the surge. The biodiversity around Släggö is remarkable for northern European waters. Wrasse species provide constant movement and color as they dart among the kelp fronds. Lumpsuckers, those endearingly round fish that attach themselves to rocks with modified pelvic fins, can be spotted during spring when they move into shallow water to breed. Lobsters hide in deeper crevices during daylight hours, their antennae the only giveaway, while edible crabs and shore crabs forage openly across the rocky substrate. The invertebrate life is where Släggö truly excels. Nudibranchs of multiple species crawl slowly across the rocks, their vivid colors seemingly impossible in such cold water. Sea squirts, both solitary and colonial, filter plankton from the current. Brittle stars carpet certain rocky surfaces in writhing mats, and starfish in purple, orange, and red patrol the substrate in search of mussel beds to raid. For underwater photographers, Släggö offers exceptional subjects in both macro and wide-angle genres. The combination of colorful invertebrate life, atmospheric kelp forests, and dramatic granite formations creates compositions that rival any cold-water destination worldwide. The play of natural light through the kelp canopy in the shallows produces ethereal green-gold illumination that gives photographs from this site a distinctive quality. Släggö is accessible from spring through autumn, with summer providing the warmest water and longest daylight hours. The kelp forests are at their most lush during late summer, creating the densest underwater jungle experience. A drysuit is standard equipment for most of the season, though hardy divers manage with thick wetsuits during the warmest weeks. The island's beauty above and below the waterline makes every visit to Släggö a complete nature experience.