REGINA
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) - REGINA offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Regina. Now here’s a wreck we really appreciate. She sits upright at 52 metres, a general cargo motor vessel that went down in 1971, pretty much intact. Dropping down onto her bridge structure, you get a real sense of her scale. We’ve always found the engine room particularly captivating, accessible through open hatches, and the way light plays through the superstructure on a clear day is just something else. It’s a deep dive, no doubt, so suitable for experienced technical divers who are comfortable with the colder Scottish water and potential for limited visibility. But for those who make the journey, the Regina delivers. The wreck itself is heavily encrusted with soft corals, dead man's fingers, and anemones, providing shelter for all sorts of critters. We often spot conger eels in the deeper sections and large wrasse patrolling the decks. The sheer volume of life that’s made her home is impressive, transforming a sunken vessel into a thriving artificial reef. Our favourite time to dive her is early autumn; the water can be a touch clearer, and the light penetration often better, really bringing out the colours of the encrusting life. Just remember, it’s Scotland, so always be prepared for chilly conditions.
Typical REGINA 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 52m 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.
Reviews for REGINA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for REGINA
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