SANTA CATARINA
Protected Area
Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - SANTA CATARINA offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
Diving the Santa Catarina feels less like a typical wreck dive and more like an archaeological exploration. What’s left of this 16th-century Spanish sailing vessel lies scattered in St. Catherine's Dub, about 200 yards north of Collieston. Don't expect an intact hull; instead, you're looking for remnants, pieces of history slowly being reclaimed by the North Sea. We've found the best approach is to take it slow, really examining the seabed for timbers, perhaps a cannon peeking through the sand, now home to small crabs and anenomes. It's a site for those who appreciate history and the quiet hunt for subtle treasures.
Typical SANTA CATARINA 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 19m - 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.
Reviews for SANTA CATARINA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SANTA CATARINA
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