Wreck of Duke Of Lancaster

Protected Area

Red 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 Duke Of Lancaster 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

Diving the Duke of Lancaster isn't your typical warm water wreck hop. This is proper UK wreck diving: moody, atmospheric, and utterly rewarding if you’re up for it. We love the way the light filters through the green water, illuminating sections of the ship in an almost ghostly fashion. As you descend, the sheer scale of the Duke becomes apparent – a substantial vessel lying on its side, her massive holds and superstructure offering plenty to explore. It’s a fantastic site for those who appreciate the history woven into these old ships, and the challenge of navigating an overhead environment. What really sells the Duke for us is the way marine life has claimed her. Nudibranchs in electric colours cling to the railings, and huge conger eels peer out from dark crevices. We’ve often found schooling pollack darting through the broken sections of the deck. This is a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who are comfortable with potential low visibility and the slightly spooky vibe. A good torch is non-negotiable, and we’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to truly appreciate the intricate details of this classic Scottish wreck.