MARIA
Protected Area
The Maidens
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) - MARIA offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Maria is a proper old schooner, sitting upright on the seabed at a comfortable 20 metres. She went down back in 1882, so there’s a real sense of history here, but she’s not broken up badly. We like poking around her holds, which are surprisingly open and easy to navigate for a wreck of this age. Expect to see plenty of wrasse darting in and out of the timbers, and if you’re lucky, a conger eel or two peeking from the darker recesses. It’s a great dive for anyone who enjoys a bit of wreck exploration without the currents or deeper depths that often come with it.
Typical MARIA 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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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MARIA
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