MILEWATER

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) - MILEWATER 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 2m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Milewater is not your typical Scottish wreck dive, and that’s precisely why we love it. Washed ashore on Tiree in 1931, this old tug lies in almost no water at all, making it more of an intertidal exploration than a dive. Our favourite way to experience it is to time your visit for a spring low tide, pulling on a thick wetsuit or even a drysuit, and finning through the shallows. The bow points west, often taking the brunt of any swell, so pick a calm day. You'll spend most of your time with your head just a few inches below the surface, watching the light ripple over the encrusted ironwork. The wreck is broken up, but its skeleton is clear to see. We’ve found huge velvet swimming crabs hiding in crevices, their eyes gleaming, and seen dozens of small blennies darting between the rusty plates. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past, a ship slowly being reclaimed by the sea, all without the need for heavy gear or deep diving skills. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploring something genuinely unique.