Her Majesty

Protected Area

Rathlin Island

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) - Her Majesty 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

Her Majesty, a paddle steamer that went down in 1849, isn't deep. We're talking two metres, tops, barely enough to get your fins wet. But don't let the shallows fool you; this wreck is our pick for a unique historical dip on the Scottish West Coast. The stern lies closest to the shore, easily accessible, and what you’ll find is the distinct outline of a paddle steamer, bits of timber still visible, ironwork draped with algae. It’s the sheer age of it that gets us. This isn't some modern ghost, but a proper relic, with barnacles and mussels encrusting every surface, and small crabs scuttling into crevices. Visibility here can vary, so we suggest a calm day with high sun to really appreciate the shape of the vessel and the way the light plays on the ancient timbers. It's an easy dive, perfect for a relaxed explore, and surprisingly atmospheric for such a shallow site. You'll feel the weight of history here, even as a tiny blenny darts from a rusted porthole.