BADJESTAN - Scottish West Coast

The Badjestan, a big steamship grounded off Cleats Point, is one of our favourite wreck dives on the Scottish West Coast, especially when the conditions line up. At 120 metres long, she’s a proper expedition, and even though she’s well-broken, you can still trace her massive silhouette against the gloom. We love navigating the cavernous holds, imagining the cargo she once carried, and peering into the engine room, which is often thick with pollack. You’ll find plenty of resident critters too – we often spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the plates and colourful anemones clinging to every surface. The light can be moody, filtering through the kelp, giving the whole dive a wonderfully atmospheric feel. It’s definitely a site for experienced cold-water divers comfortable with limited visibility and a good sense of navigation, but if you’re up for it, the reward is a truly engaging dive into maritime history.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.441666, -5.250000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BADJESTAN

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The wreck of the SS Badjestan is a dramatic monument to the power of the Scottish coastline. A relatively modern vessel for her time, this 120-meter steamship was built in 1928. Her career was cut short early in the Second World War, not by enemy fire, but by the rugged shores of the West Coast. In January 1940, she ran aground at Cleats Point, succumbing to the unforgiving rocks and waves that have claimed countless ships throughout history.

Because she grounded in the shallows, the Badjestan offers a uniquely accessible wreck experience. With a depth listed as 0 meters, parts of her hull and superstructure break the surface, creating a stark and photogenic silhouette against the sky. This makes the site explorable for not just divers, but also snorkelers and kayakers. The underwater sections have become a thriving artificial reef, colonized by local marine life, offering a fascinating contrast between the rusting steel of the man-made structure and the vibrant nature that has claimed it.

Marine Protected Area: South Coast of Arran

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BADJESTAN

Marine Life in Scottish West Coast

Home to 127 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 sharks & rays, 8 other, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species