Wreck of Thistle

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 Thistle 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

Diving the Thistle is less about ticking off species and more about a journey into the past. This isn't your vibrant coral reef dive, but we love it for its sheer sense of history. Dropping down onto the iron ribs and plates, you can practically feel the bite of the North Sea that claimed her. What makes this wreck truly special is how the structure has become a home. We’ve found wolfish tucked into crevices, their grumpy faces peering out, and often see the amber glow of conger eels slinking through open sections. The wreck itself is fairly broken, spread across the seabed, but that just means more nooks and crannies to explore. We always take our time, running a hand over the barnacle-encrusted metal, imagining the steam and spray when she was whole. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery – sometimes it’s 10 metres and a dream, other days it’s closer to five, demanding a good torch and a buddy you trust. Our favourite time to dive Thistle is on a calm day with a small neap tide, which helps keep the sediment down. This dive suits those who appreciate historical sites, aren't afraid of cooler water, and enjoy the thrill of discovery.