PINTAIL

Protected Area

Rathlin Island

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) - PINTAIL 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 10m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Pintail might not be the deepest dive on the Scottish West Coast, sitting at just 10m, but we think it’s a brilliant way to spend an hour. This old trawler, sunk back in 1949, is relatively intact for a wreck of its age and depth. You can often swim right into the wheelhouse, feeling the chill of the enclosed space, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to poke your head into across the deck. For us, the joy here is how completely nature has reclaimed it. Every surface is draped in dead man's fingers, brilliant white and orange against the dark metal. Ling often lurk in the shadowed corners, their long bodies perfectly camouflaged, and we've seen impressively large conger eels peering out from gaps in the hull. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs, little bursts of colour moving slowly over the growth. This site is ideal for photographers looking for an atmospheric shot or anyone who enjoys the quiet exploration of a historical wreck without the pressure of depth or strong currents. It's a proper gentle bob around a piece of history.