JOHN STRACHAN

Protected Area

South-East Islay Skerries

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) - JOHN STRACHAN 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 8m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The John Strachan isn’t deep, barely 8 metres, but it offers a genuinely atmospheric dive. We love this wreck for its history, and how the sea has claimed it. Lying broken across the rocks near the shore, you’ll find the bow section relatively intact, the stern more shattered. It’s the kind of site where the ambient light filters down through kelp fronds, giving everything a green, ethereal glow. You can explore the hold, a dark maw now home to conger eels, and peer into the engine room, often patrolled by blennies. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for squat lobsters and the occasional dogfish tucked away. It's a fantastic spot for a relaxed dive, especially if you appreciate wrecks that feel genuinely integrated into their environment, rather than just dumped there. Perfect for photographers keen on moody, historical shots, and divers who enjoy lingering over details. We’d suggest a calm day for the best experience; even at this depth, surface chop can make things less enjoyable.