GUETHARY - Scottish West Coast

The Guethary is a proper West Coast wreck, not just a pile of plates. It's a big steel sailing ship, went down in 1914, just a mile south of Ardmore Point on Islay. The thing about the Guethary is its scale; 84 metres long, lying in only 8 metres of water. We usually drop in just off Eilean a Chuirn and you’re pretty much on top of it. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, when the sun filters through that green Scottish water, you can make out the bow rising up from the seabed. It’s been down a long time, so the steelwork is nicely encrusted. Our favourite part is exploring the holds – they’re quite open now, filled with shoals of tiny pollack and coalfish darting amongst the broken frames. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and the odd conger eel peeking from deeper shadows. It’s a shallow dive, so you get plenty of bottom time to really soak it in. This is one for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims things. Just be mindful of the currents, they can pick up, especially around the point.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.667416, -6.019450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: South-East Islay Skerries

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to GUETHARY

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Guéthary dive sites, and are there options for both shallow and deeper dives?
The Guéthary dive site offers a typical diving depth of 8 meters. This makes it an excellent option for shallow dives, though deeper options are not indicated for this specific site based on the available data.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when scuba diving in Guéthary?
Divers at Guéthary can expect to explore a significant underwater feature- a steel sailing vessel measuring 84.4m x 12.2m, which sank in 1914. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making it an interesting site for exploration.
How challenging is scuba diving in Guéthary, particularly regarding currents and overall difficulty for different skill levels?
Scuba diving at Guéthary is classified as intermediate difficulty. This site is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," suggesting potential hazards that require appropriate training and experience. Divers should be prepared for conditions typical of an intermediate wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Guéthary for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters at Guéthary. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult resources on diving the Scottish West Coast.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Guéthary, and is a medical certificate necessary for diving in France?
The data provided does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for Guéthary, though its intermediate difficulty and classification as a dangerous wreck suggest advanced training in wreck diving is advisable. As the site is located in the United Kingdom, specific French medical certificate requirements would not apply here.
What are the typical water temperatures, currents, and visibility like for scuba diving around Guéthary?
The provided data does not include specific details on typical water temperatures, currents, or visibility for scuba diving around Guéthary. Divers planning a trip to the Scottish West Coast should research general conditions for the region.