Wreck of Capella

Protected Area

Ailsa Craig

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 Capella 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 Capella wreck off Scotland's west coast isn’t about huge pelagics or neon corals. This is a cold water wreck dive, and we absolutely love it for its sheer atmosphere. Dropping onto the Capella, you immediately feel the history; it’s a substantial trawler, lying mostly intact. The stern section is particularly impressive, rising from the seabed with its prop still in place, often draped in kelp. We’d suggest exploring the wheelhouse first; it's quite open and you can easily fin through, picturing the crew's last moments. Look for the resident wrasse darting between the metal plates, and we often spot conger eels tucked into the darker recesses of the engine room. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, the sight of the hull outlined against the green water is genuinely stirring. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and an appreciation for maritime heritage, perfect for those who like their wrecks with a bit of a story and plenty of nooks to poke into.