ISLAND

Protected Area

Isle of May

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ISLAND offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 13m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The ISLAND wreck, sitting at a comfortable 13 metres, is one of our favourite dives along the Scottish East Coast. This isn't just any old boat; she was the royal yacht of King Christian X of Denmark, going down in 1937. You can really feel that history as you glide over her length, still largely intact at 76 metres. We love exploring the twin boilers, a clear landmark on the seabed, and the triple expansion engine is a fascinating jumble of metal. The wreck has become a proper home for the local critters. Look for the wrasse darting between the plates and the often surprisingly large crabs tucked into every nook. Visibility here can be variable, as with much of the North Sea, but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure, creating a moody, atmospheric dive. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to make the most of poking around without fighting a current. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of history with their marine life.