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HMS Lively

The HMS *Lively* isn’t a deep dive, sitting at a comfortable 16 metres, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a simple one. This isn't one of Scapa's German fleet, rather an older steamship, sunk back in 1883, and that age gives it a distinctly different feel. We love how the passage of time has really worked its magic here. The wreck is quite broken up, but you can still pick out the bow and stern sections, and the boilers are a real focal point, dominating the midship. When you drop down, the first thing you notice is the way light filters through the kelp, making the wreckage below feel almost ethereal. It’s absolutely covered in life – dead man's fingers coral in vibrant oranges and yellows cling to every surface, and we’ve often found substantial lobsters tucked into the nooks and crannies. Look closely at the hull plates for nudibranchs, particularly the grey sea slug. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims its own, rather than intact structures. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy exploring a scattered wreck, teasing out its details, and truly savouring the marine growth.