HMS DARTMOUTH - Scottish West Coast

The HMS Dartmouth, a 26-metre frigate from 1690, is one of our favourite shallow wrecks on the Scottish West Coast. Resting at just 9 metres, it’s an ideal spot for those looking to spend some real time exploring a piece of history. We’ve always found the Dartmouth offers a surprisingly intimate experience; you can swim among the scattered timbers, imagining the storm that drove her ashore. The wreck isn’t a grand, intact vessel, but rather a wonderfully jumbled collection of ribs and hull sections, now heavily encrusted. The kelp sways around the remaining structure, and there’s always something tucked into a crevice – a lobster waving an antenna, or a couple of blennies darting between the timbers. Visibility can vary, but we’ve had some cracking dives here when the water is calm and the sun breaks through, illuminating the green light filtering down onto the old wood. Our top tip is to dive it around slack water to avoid any strong pushes, giving you plenty of time to really soak in the atmosphere.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.503000, -5.700250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Glas Eileanan

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS DARTMOUTH

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