ERLO HILLS

Protected Area

Rathlin Island - Coast

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) - ERLO HILLS 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 2m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Erlo Hills is a site that, on paper, might not jump out, but we think it’s a quiet standout on the Scottish West Coast. The 41-meter fishing vessel, the *Erlo*, sits upright in just two meters of water, making it a dream for snorkelers, freedivers, and even those just getting comfortable with their fins. We love how accessible it is, especially on a calm day when the sun can actually penetrate the surface here. When you drop in, you’re looking straight down onto the deck. You can make out the mast, parts of the wheelhouse, and various winches, all now softened by a thick coat of green algae and rust. It’s less about penetration here and more about observing the structure itself, especially the way the light plays on it. Our favourite moments are when the tide is just right, and you can hover above the whole thing, watching small shoals of pollack dart in and out of the skeletal remains. It’s got a real melancholic beauty to it, quite different from deeper, darker wrecks. Don't expect dramatic drop-offs, just a peaceful exploration of history close to the surface.