NILS GORTHON
Protected Area
Gruinart Flats, Islay
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) - NILS GORTHON offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Nils Gorthon sits deep, at 48 metres, off the Scottish West Coast. She’s a proper expedition dive, a large steamship torpedoed in 1940. We love how intact she feels down there, not just a pile of plates. You can still make out her superstructure, and her triple-expansion engine is a real draw, a magnificent piece of industrial history now home to various crabs and lobsters. The visibility can be surprisingly good, especially on a settled day with an early dive, allowing her immense scale to really sink in. Exploring her decks, you’ll find sections carpeted in colourful jewel anemones, small pockets of vibrant life against the muted steel. This site is definitely for experienced divers comfortable with deep diving and colder conditions; the rewards are immense for those seeking a tangible piece of maritime history.
Typical NILS GORTHON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 48m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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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Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for NILS GORTHON
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