Wreck of Eliza Charlotte

Protected Area

Bridgend Flats, Islay

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 Eliza Charlotte 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

Okay, the *Eliza Charlotte*. If you’re diving the Scottish West Coast, you’ve probably heard whispers about her, and for good reason. We love this wreck because it’s a proper piece of history, not just a pile of scattered metal. She sits upright, largely intact, which means you get that real feeling of exploring a sunken ship, not just a debris field. You can often drop right onto her deck, and the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the kelp, giving everything a kind of muted, ethereal glow. Spend some time peering into the holds – you might just catch a glimpse of a conger eel peeking out from a dark corner, or a wrasse darting between the frames. For us, the best part is the stern, where the rudder and propeller are often still quite clear, offering a fantastic photo opportunity. We'd suggest checking your tides; slack water makes the penetration into the deeper sections much more enjoyable, though currents can sweep through here. This site suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, who don’t mind a bit of a chill, and who find beauty in the moody, rugged charm of the North Atlantic.