MARIA W
Protected Area
Buchan Ness to Collieston
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - MARIA W offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
Forget your preconceptions of Scottish diving here. The Maria W is a proper, atmospheric wreck experience, and it sits in just two metres of water. We love a site that lets you really linger, tracing every rivet and broken plate, and this one delivers. She was a carrier vessel, went aground in '66, and now lies broken but still recognisably a ship. You can fin right over her exposed hull plates, peering into the shadows where she's split apart. The real joy of the Maria W is the life that’s made a home of her. We’re talking plump velvet crabs scuttling from under twisted metal, small pollock darting between frames, and anemones blooming in every sheltered nook. It’s an almost intimate dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to spend a long time exploring a piece of history. Visibility can be a bit variable, as you'd expect on the East Coast, but on a calm day, the sunlight penetrates right to the wreck, illuminating the colours. This is a brilliant shout for new wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed, shallow dive with plenty of character.
Typical MARIA W Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for MARIA W
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MARIA W
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