BADJESTAN

Protected Area

South Coast of Arran

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) - BADJESTAN 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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.

Safety Notes

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

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BADJESTAN Wreck History

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.