Wreck of Carnsew

Protected Area

Lamlash Bay

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 Carnsew 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 Carnsew is a moody dive, perfect for those days when you crave something with real character, a bit of history beneath the waves. She’s an older wreck, a steamship that went down in 1917, and it shows in the way she’s softened over time. We love the way the light filters through the kelp forest that starts topside, giving way to the dark shape of the hull below. This isn’t a wreck for pristine visibility fans. Expect a proper Scottish dive – green water, often a bit silty, but that’s part of the charm. It adds to the mystery as you descend onto the main deck, where you can trace the outline of her collapsed superstructure. Look for the large resident conger eels, tucked into the dark recesses, and the colourful nudibranchs clinging to the metalwork. Our favourite detail is the scattered plates and ceramic shards, little ghost echoes of life onboard. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye, ideal for experienced divers comfortable in low visibility and cooler temperatures.