Wreck of Altavela
Protected Area
The Cuillin Hills
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) - Wreck of Altavela offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Altavela wreck on the Scottish West Coast is a proper dive, one we keep coming back to. Drop down and you’re immediately into a dramatic scene: the broken hull stretches out, draped in a thick tapestry of plumose anemones. It’s a riot of white, really stark against the moody Scottish water. We love nosing around the engine room, often finding a curious conger eel peering out from the gloom. It’s not a deep dive, making for good bottom time, and the visibility, while typically Scottish, can open up beautifully on a calm day, giving you incredible perspective on the scale of the wreck. It suits divers who appreciate history and the unique beauty of cold-water wreck diving. Our favourite spot is usually the bow, where the light sometimes catches the anemones just right, making them glow.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
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Conditions
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