ARRAN III

Protected Area

Kyles of Bute

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ARRAN III offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 10m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Arran III sits in the Firth of Clyde, a stern old lady in surprisingly shallow water. At just 10 metres, she’s a perfect introduction to wreck diving, or a relaxed second dive for those of us who appreciate a bit of history without the nitrogen narcosis. We’ve always loved how the light filters down here, even on a cloudy day, picking out the skeletal ribs of her hull. She ran aground on Hogmanay in 1932, and you can still feel that sense of a sudden, final stop as you swim through her broken remains. Her relatively small size, around 30 metres long, means you can take your time exploring the whole thing without feeling rushed. Our favourite part has to be the engine room; the machinery is still somewhat intact, draped in green fronds of kelp and anemones that pulse gently with the surge. You’ll spot wrasse darting in and out of the plating, and if you look closely, common gobies peeking from every crevice. We’d suggest going at slack water, as currents can pick up, making it a bit more of a workout than it needs to be. It’s a site that proves you don’t need extreme depth for an engaging dive.

Typical ARRAN III Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:4517:3410h 49m daylightGolden hour 16:43

ARRAN III Wreck History

Year Sunk

1932

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

The ARRAN III was a small, 30-metre steamship that met its end on New Year's Eve, 1932. While navigating the often-treacherous waters of Scotland's West Coast, the vessel ran aground and subsequently sank. Its final moments marked the end of an era for these small coastal steamers that were once the lifeblood of the Scottish isles, connecting remote communities and transporting essential goods.

Resting at a shallow depth of just 10 meters, the ARRAN III is now a highly accessible wreck dive. While the years have taken their toll and the wreck is broken up, divers can still identify key features like the boiler and engine components scattered across the seabed. The site has become a thriving artificial reef, with its metal plates and structures providing a home for a variety of local marine life, including crabs, lobsters, and schools of small fish. Its designation as a 'Dangerous Wreck' serves as a reminder to be cautious of sharp metal and potential entanglement, but its shallow location makes it an excellent and atmospheric dive for novices and experienced explorers alike.