HMS STURDY

Protected Area

Hough Bay and Balevullin Machair

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) - HMS STURDY 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 5m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The HMS Sturdy, off the Scottish West Coast, isn't your typical deep wreck dive. In fact, it's barely a dive at all for some. This destroyer lies in a mere 5 metres of water, meaning snorkelers can get as much out of it as divers. We love it for that accessibility, making it an excellent site for divers just getting into wrecks, or those who simply enjoy a long, shallow exploration. She ran aground in heavy weather back in 1940, and the exposed location means she's well broken up now. Don't expect an intact ship, but rather a fascinating scattering of metalwork across the seabed. You'll trace the outline of her 84-metre length, picking out plates, ribs, and machinery parts. Look closely; the metal is completely encrusted with anemones, sponges, and kelp, creating a vibrant artificial reef. It’s an easy, relaxed exploration, often with good visibility, allowing you to really soak in the history and the marine growth. It’s our pick for a leisurely afternoon, especially if you're keen on photography in bright, shallow water.