Wreck of Chimaera

Protected Area

Rickle Craig - Scurdie Ness

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Wreck of Chimaera 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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Chimaera isn't one of those wrecks you just drop onto and admire from above; it’s a dive where you earn your view. We're talking about a proper deep Scottish wreck, often with a current that keeps you honest. But put in the effort, and you're rewarded with a hulking metal structure, surprisingly intact for its age and location. We love nosing into the nooks and crannies. The holds are usually open, and you can swim through areas where the deck has collapsed, creating interesting swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for ling and conger eels lurking in the darker corners; their eyes reflecting your torch beam always gives us a bit of a jolt. This wreck feels like it’s slowly being reclaimed by the sea, with dense plumose anemones coating the structure, making the metal bloom with colour. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the history, the challenge, and the way marine life utterly transforms a man-made object. Come prepared for the conditions, and you’ll find a genuinely rewarding experience.