Wreck of Richmond

Protected Area

Crawton Bay

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 Richmond 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

Forget what you think you know about UK wreck diving. The Richmond, sitting off the Scottish East Coast, is a proper old-school wreck, the kind with history etched into every plate. We love it because it’s not just a pile of rubble; there’s an integrity here, especially for a wreck that’s been down since 1790. You’ll be finning through some serious atmosphere, with the cold North Sea current swirling past, often carrying a fair amount of particulate. We’d suggest hitting this one on a slack tide, otherwise, you're fighting for every meter. What you're really here for is the hull structure, still largely intact, allowing for some fascinating penetration if you're qualified and careful. The timbers are dark and encrusted, home to some chunky squat lobsters and the occasional wolf fish lurking in the shadows. It’s a site for those who appreciate maritime archaeology, who want to feel the weight of centuries, rather than just tick off a fish count. Our favourite aspect is the way the light filters through the gaps in the hull on a brighter day, creating these ethereal shafts in the gloom. It’s an experience that really stays with you.