Wreck of Denwick Head

Protected Area

Barns Ness Coast

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 Denwick Head 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

We love a wreck that really tells a story, and the Denwick Head is a compelling read. Lying off the Scottish East Coast, this isn't some pristine museum piece; it's a working wreck, sculpted by years of currents and cold water. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often enveloped in a haze of plankton and the occasional jellyfish drifting by. The stern section is our favourite, with its exposed propeller shaft and the ghostly remains of the engine room. You'll find ling and cod lurking in the shadows, sometimes a curious seal will even come in for a closer look. It's a dive for those who appreciate history and the rawness of North Sea diving, not for the faint of heart. Visibility can be a challenge, sometimes just a few metres, adding to the atmospheric dive but making good buoyancy control essential. Go on a slack tide, if you can, to really appreciate picking through the ribs of this old steamer.