EMPIRE ACE

Protected Area

Sanda Islands

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) - EMPIRE ACE 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 1m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Empire Ace, now a resident of Glenharvie Beach, isn't your usual deep-water wreck. We're talking 1 meter max depth here, sometimes less. It’s an unusual dive, more of a snorkel or wade for most, but don't let the shallows fool you. This ex-MOD tug, driven onto the rocks by high winds back in '68, offers a surprisingly intimate look at a wreck. What we love about the Empire Ace is how the sea has truly claimed it. You can see the ribs of the hull, parts of the superstructure, all exposed to the elements and coated in a tapestry of green and brown algae, barnacles, and mussels. It’s a photographer's dream on a calm, sunny day, with the light playing off the metal and the surface. Look closely in the crevices and you'll spot small crabs scuttling, sometimes a blenny peering out. It suits those who appreciate the raw power of the sea and the history etched into a wreck, rather than deep exploration. Our favourite time to visit is on a falling tide, when more of the wreck becomes visible and you can really get a sense of its scale. It’s less about swim-throughs and more about observation, a gentle exploration of a wreck caught between land and sea.