Wreck of Tillycorthe

Protected Area

Burnmouth 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 Tillycorthe 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 Wreck of Tillycorthe isn't your average upright, intact vessel. This is a properly broken up site, spread across the seabed, and that's precisely why we love it. Diving here feels like an archaeological hunt, piecing together the story of the ship as you move between sections of hull plating, twisted metal, and the occasional recognizable fitting. We’ve found huge amounts of discarded fishing gear here, a sombre reminder of the dangers of these waters. Visibility can be a proper Scottish mixed bag, but on a good day, the light filtering through the kelp forests that surround the wreck is quite dramatic. Keep an eye out for the resident crabs and lobsters tucked into every crevice; they’re plentiful. This site really suits divers who appreciate a bit of history and don't mind a rummage. It’s less about swimming through corridors and more about exploring a marine-colonised debris field, offering a different kind of thrill.