Wreck of Ballista

Protected Area

Glas Eileanan

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 Ballista 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 Ballista isn't your average Scottish wreck. We’d argue it's one of the best out here, a proper adventure that feels like stepping back in time. This isn't just a pile of metal; it's a ship, and you can still make out the superstructure, the deck, even some of the holds. We love exploring the bow, where the anchor chain still drapes dramatically over the seabed, a real photographic moment if you get the visibility. It’s got a somber, silent beauty to it, especially when the light filters down through the green water. Now, about the marine life: it’s not tropical, but it’s fantastic. Think wolf fish peeking out from under plates of steel, conger eels weaving through collapsed sections, and plump lobsters tucked into every crevice. You’ll often find nudibranchs crawling along the railings, their colours popping against the rust. This site suits divers who appreciate history, enjoy penetrations (though many parts are open and safe for external exploration), and aren't afraid of a bit of chill. Bring a good torch, even on a bright day, to really pick out the details. We think it’s best dived on a calm day; even a slight swell can make the descent a bit choppier than we’d like.