IONA - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Iona sits in surprisingly shallow water, making it a good spot for a relaxed look at some history. We’re talking five metres, max, so it’s more of a rummage than a deep exploration. You’ll find the remains of this 1839 steamer scattered amongst the rocks, a mix of hull plates and machinery bits that tell a story of its grounding back in 1882. It's not a massive intact wreck, but that broken-up nature means you can poke around the smaller sections, finding crabs tucked into crevices and anemones clinging to the metalwork. It’s ideal for newer divers or those who just want to spend some time gently observing the life that’s colonised the wreckage.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.023335, -3.113333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Firth of Forth

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to IONA

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the Iona Wreck and Iona Reef dive sites?
The maximum depth for diving at the Iona Wreck is 5m. This shallow wreck offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic steam ship.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Iona Wreck and Iona Reef?
Divers at the Iona Wreck can expect to explore the remains of a historic steam ship vessel. This site is classified as a wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure, offering a glimpse into its past as a ship built in 1839. For more information on general marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the Iona Wreck and Iona Reef dive sites for different levels of divers?
The Iona Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience, offering a manageable challenge to explore the remains of the steam ship.
What is the best time of year to dive at Iona for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and marine life sightings at the Iona Wreck is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, please consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Iona Wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
While specific certification requirements for diving the Iona Wreck are not detailed in the provided data, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should possess adequate training and experience for wreck diving. Always ensure you are comfortable with the conditions and your skill level before attempting any dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Iona dive sites in Yanbu?
The Iona Wreck is located on the Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, not in Yanbu. Information regarding typical current conditions and visibility for this specific dive site is not provided in the available data.