HMS WASP
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 WASP offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The HMS Wasp is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you. Dropping down onto her, you’re immediately struck by the sheer integrity of the hull, considering she went down in 1884. We love how much of her remains intact, sitting upright on the seabed at a comfortable 20 metres. You can easily explore the deck, with the anchor chains still visible at the bow and the stern offering plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. Our favourite spots are around the engine room, where the compound engine is still discernible, and the structure creates some fantastic swim-throughs, if you’re careful with your buoyancy. Even without an official species list, we’ve always found the Wasp buzzing with life. Expect to see plenty of wrasse darting in and out of the plating, conger eels tucked into darker spaces, and often a decent sized pollack or two cruising the perimeter. The visibility here can be classic Scottish – sometimes it's twenty metres and bright, other times it’s green and moody, adding to the wreck's atmosphere. It’s a superb dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of history with their marine life, and it’s surprisingly accessible for most divers, just be mindful of potential currents.
Typical HMS WASP Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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