FLORENCE

Protected Area

Lough Foyle

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) - FLORENCE 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 12m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Florence. This isn't a deep dive, sitting at just 12 metres, but it offers a solid hour of exploration. She’s a steamship, built in 1881, and a good chunk of her remains. You can still make out the bow and stern sections, with ribs and plates scattered across a rocky seabed. We love picking through the debris, imagining her last moments after hitting the rocks leaving Port-na-Long. The real joy here is the life that’s colonised the metal. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of crabs tucked into crevices, and we often spot butterfish darting between the frames. The visibility on the West Coast can be temperamental, but on a good day, the light filters through beautifully, illuminating the wreck. This site is perfect for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed bimble with a bit of history thrown in. Just be mindful of the currents if diving near spring tides, they can pick up a bit.