ISBUL & MARGARIT
Protected Area
Farne Islands
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ISBUL & MARGARIT offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
The Isbul and Margarit, sitting at a max of 22m, isn't your typical pretty reef dive. This is a proper piece of maritime history, a dramatic wreck that went down in 1849. The ship broke up significantly, but that's part of its charm. You're not looking at one intact hull; instead, the debris field is scattered, creating a fascinating landscape of twisted metal and wooden timbers. We love exploring the larger sections of hull, now heavily encrusted, where conger eels have set up home in the darker crevices. The visibility here can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the East Coast, but on a good day, the light filtering down through the green water gives it an almost ethereal feel. Look closely and you'll spot nudibranchs grazing on the growth, and we've seen some surprisingly large lobsters tucked into the nooks. It's a dive for those who appreciate the story behind the metal, who enjoy piecing together the past, and aren't afraid of a bit of rummaging. Come prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially strong currents, but the sense of discovery here is genuinely rewarding.
Typical ISBUL & MARGARIT Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 22m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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