Wreck of Ardandhu

Protected Area

Hough Bay and Balevullin Machair

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 Ardandhu 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 Ardandhu, a trawler sunk back in the 1970s, sits upright on a sandy bottom, about 20 metres down. We love that it’s still so intact. You can fin right along the deck, past the mast, and peek into the holds, which often shelter cod and wrasse. The wheelhouse is a highlight, surprisingly open, allowing you to almost picture the skipper at the helm. What really makes the Ardandhu special for us is the way the cold water corals and anemones have taken hold. They paint the metalwork in purples and oranges, especially vibrant when your torch beam catches them. Keep an eye out for conger eels too; they’re pretty bold here, often tucked into the darker crevices. This is a brilliant dive for anyone who appreciates a proper wreck, one where you can still feel its history, without any crazy currents to contend with.