SAXON
Protected Area
Inner Clyde Estuary
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) - SAXON offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Saxon, a barge that met its end colliding with the steamer Mellisa off Greenock, now rests in a shallow 11 meters. It’s an accessible wreck, spread across the seabed, giving us plenty to explore without worrying about deep deco stops. We’ve found it’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, with various fish and crabs making a home in the scattered remains. Look closely, and you’ll often spot nudibranchs grazing on the metalwork. It’s not a grand, intact vessel, but rather a fascinating archaeological site that tells a story and offers a pleasant afternoon's poke around for any diver keen on a bit of history.
Typical SAXON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to SAXON
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C&C MARINE SERVICES
Just Dive In CIC
Field Studies Council Millport
Fyne Diving
Splashsports Services
Scuba Diving Scotland
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