Scotland

Argyll and Bute Council

United Kingdom

These islands create an area of outstanding beauty above and below the surface, with exceptional water clarity. Complex tides are a feature of this area. However, it is usually possible to find on side or another of the islands to dive on. Some of the drifts through the sounds between the islands are exhilarating and take you past amazing jewel anemone covered walls which are bristling with life. Often see golden eagles on the cliffs above whilst kitting up.

By boat. Follow GPS coordinates and pick a likely spot diving the walls of the islands. 

Cullipool

Garvellachs

Steamship. Sank in March 3rd, 1917 by mines laid from the UB-78. After striking the mine the Meldon ran to Loch Buie to put ashore. It is unclear exactly what occurred but the crew were safely put ashore and the wreck sand with its stern toward the shore.  Stern most intact part with fragmentation moving forward. The bow section itself rises vertically 5-6 metres from the seabed.

Loch Buie. By boat. The tip of the rudder post is visible from the surface at low tide. Tree showing above the skyline in the V of the hills directly behind the site align with the larger of two white tipped rocks on the shoreline to provide the transit should it be required. Can be dived on any state of the tide.

The Meldon is also known as Meldon.

The Meldon

Small island with spectacular drop offs between Kerrera and the mainland. This site is sheltered and close to Oban which makes it a good opportunity to dive in the case of bad weather.

Between Kerrera and the mainland.

Heather Island

The Thesis lies only 50 metres form the shore of Rubha an Ridre, so could theoretically be dived without a boat. The Thesis hit a reef at Innimore Point in bad weather, sinking four hours later once the crew had abandoned ship. Inside the wreck are four holds which have a cargo of iron. The hull is mostly just a skeleton, but the wheel house is in tact. This is usually a pretty wreck to dive, but if the visibility is low it becomes very dark and can look rather sinister. Amongst the wreckage, look out for the engine, boilers and anchor winch, but the propeller and rudder are have been removed. The bow is at 12m, so should be left until the end of the dive. There can be a strong current flowing through the wreck, so be cautious if entering it. Launch can be from Oban, Lochaline or Tobermory.

Oban

Thesis Wreck

Sister Ship of the SS Thistlegorm also sunk. The Thistlegorm is in the Red Sea. 

Large holds that offer safe penetration. there are more options for penetration but low visibility make this more dangerous. A few fatalities have been recorded from divers penetrating this wreck. 

Plenty to see on the outside of this wreck and it is a huge ship that sits upright on the sandy sea bed. 

Ardmucknish Bay, Argyll

SS Breda

Standing almost upright on bow, Rondo lies vertically down cliff-like side of reef. Stern at 9m encrusted with plumose anemones. Mainmast base at 25m. Mast lies down centre of wreck. Bow section at 38m. Forward holds silted up. Beware nitrogen narcosis in steep descent down wreck.

Can be seen abutting rocky islet at low tide.

SS Rondo is also known as Rondo.

SS Rondo



Locals have made access to this site difficult, although it is still possible

Bottle Dive is also known as St. Catherines #1.

Bottle Dive

The Shuna lies intact and upright on a silty sea bed only 200 metres from the shore, so could theoretically be attempted by energetic divers as a shore dive. The silt is easily stirred, which is something to consider if penetrating the wreck and if there have been lots of divers on it during the day. The ships coal cargo has mostly been removed leaving the now very silty holds nearly empty. The main deck is at 25 metres and remains intact all the way to the stern. Inside the boiler and engine can be seen and there are masts still intact and large cargo and anchor winches. The rudder propeller is also in place and unusually, there is a spare propeller is lying on the deck. There are plenty of fish on this wreck, a few Congers, Fisherman's Fingers, star fish, sea urchins and sponges. A cooker has also been discarded in the wreck! Launch can be from Oban, Lochaline or Tobermory.

Oban

Shuna Wreck

Probably the best scenic dive in the Clyde and its Sea Lochs.

Loch Fyne.
Leaving Glasgow on the A82 turn left at Tarbet onto the A83, through Arrocher and over the rest and be thankfull and through Inveraray turn left into furnace. Double back up the Loch in a northerly direction, taking the old road that runs through / past the quarry and heads back up in the direction of Inverary again. Follow the track for approximately 1-2 miles until you see a little road running off down to your right. This is steep and ill-maintained and about 20 yards long, terminating in a small car park area suitable for about 4 vehicles. Walk down through the trees to the shore (about 60 meters ). This is a steep, muddy, rocky path. It can be treacherous. Be wary if you are not dive-fit. At the shoreline in all but high water you should be able to see Stallion Rock breaking the surface just out in front of you. There is a little rocky area where you enter the water. Swim out and slightly to the left about 5m over the shallow shelf until you reach the drop-off. The cliff is straight down and drops to about 35-40m. Or by boat using GPS and echo sounder. Beware as pinnacle just breaks the surface at low tide.

Stallion Rock

Usual Loch sealife of squat lobsters, anemones, small wrasse, dogfish, blennies, edible crabs etc. Lots of decaying crap like a car roof, washing machine, corrugated metal. Big gnome collection midway through dive. All upright and in good nick. Finish dive when wall ends and you are in a gently sloping bay to the south (to the right) of the houses. Easy exit through kelp onto a shingle beach. Obviously, you could do the dive from south to north - hence the THERE AND BACK name sometimes given to this dive.

Loch Fyne. Park at the space on the right looking down towards Kenmore village there is space for 5 cars. Before the houses turn left down to the bay. Kit up on the rocks on the right and head out to the left. Underwater, turn left and head out to 16 meters, this is the top of the cliff face.

Kenmore Point

One of the most amazing wreck dives in Scotland. Viz usually excellent, plenty of marine life. Ship still in very good shape despite years of tides and corrosive salty waters. In 1954 after hitting a reef during a storm, the Hispania sank taking down the Captain with it; all other crew members were rescued. It now lies in an upright position, with the engine room and deck all penetrable. The propeller has been salvaged and the cargo is not of much interest, but the dive is still enjoyable. There is a lot of life and the wreck is covered in orange and white anemones, sponges, fish and starfish. The Hispania can only be dived only on slack, launch can be from Oban, Lochaline or Tobermory.

Sound of Mull. Permanent shot on wreck.

Garvellachs

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Garvellachs