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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the HMS Dartmouth wreck dive?
The HMS Dartmouth wreck dive is located at a shallow depth of 9 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers looking to explore historical shipwrecks.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS Dartmouth wreck?
The HMS Dartmouth is a historic sailing vessel, built in 1655 and sunk in 1690. While the specific marine life present is not detailed in our current data, divers can expect to explore the remains of a 26.2m x 7.6m wreck. For more general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
Is the HMS Dartmouth considered a difficult dive site for recreational divers?
The HMS Dartmouth is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests that while it may not be suitable for absolute beginners, recreational divers with some experience should find it manageable.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Dartmouth for optimal visibility and conditions?
Our current data for the HMS Dartmouth does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Dartmouth wreck?
The specific diving certifications required to dive the HMS Dartmouth are not detailed in our current data. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess a certification level appropriate for wreck diving and conditions typical of the Scottish West Coast.
Are there strong currents or challenging water conditions at the HMS Dartmouth dive site?
While our data does not specifically detail strong currents or challenging water conditions for the HMS Dartmouth, it is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Additionally, it is noted as a "Dangerous wreck," which implies potential hazards that divers should be aware of.