Wreck of Arbutus

Protected Area

Sanda Islands

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 Arbutus 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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Arbutus wreck on Scotland’s west coast really holds a special kind of magic. We’ve done our fair share of temperate water wreck dives, but this one sticks with you. Dropping down, the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale of the fishing trawler, settled on its port side. Rusting metal looms out of the green gloom, and it’s a proper exploration, not just a swim-over. We love picking through the wheelhouse, imagining the last moments, or peering into the hold where fishing gear still lies scattered, all encrusted with colourful anemones. The marine life here isn’t shy either. Ling and conger eels peer from every crevice, and the deck is a carpet of dead man’s fingers. The way the light filters down through the superstructure, catching the dancing shoals of pollack, is just something else. Our favourite part has to be the stern, with the propeller still proudly in place, often surrounded by curious seals if you hit it right. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; thick drysuit is a must, and we’d suggest good buoyancy control to really get into those tight spots without kicking up silt. Plan for a decent surface interval and bring a hot flask; you'll want to warm up and chat about it afterwards.