P5059 WHITLEY BOMBER

Protected Area

Portstewart Strand

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) - P5059 WHITLEY BOMBER 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 11m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Whitley Bomber, lying in just 11 metres, is a proper slice of history you can reach without pushing deco limits. We’ve always had a soft spot for aircraft wrecks, and this one, surprisingly intact for its age, is a favourite. You’ll find the main fuselage relatively broken, but the wings, engines, and tail section are remarkably preserved. It feels like stepping back into a moment in time, especially when you consider its wartime fate. Visibility here on the Scottish West Coast can be variable, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the skeletal remains of the airframe. Look closely and you’ll spot plumose anemones clinging to the metalwork, their white tentacles swaying gently. Crabs scuttle from under panels, and we’ve often seen small shoals of pollack darting through the gaps where the fuselage has opened up. It's a poignant dive, yes, but also a vibrant little ecosystem now. Our advice? Go in late spring or early autumn for the best chance of settled weather and clearer water. It’s a great dive for anyone with an interest in wartime history or just a desire to explore something a bit different.