Wreck of Ethel

Protected Area

Sanda Islands

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 Ethel 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 **Wreck of Ethel** is one of those sites that grabs you, even if the visibility isn’t always *Caribbean blue*. It’s a proper Scottish wreck dive, moody and atmospheric, sitting upright and pretty much intact on the seabed. We love how the upright bow still points stoically seaward, feeling a bit like a ghost ship holding its ground against the currents. What really sells us on *Ethel* is the sense of discovery. You can still make out the superstructure, the davits, and even some of the holds, now home to ling and conger eels that peer out from the gloom. Sometimes, if you catch it just right, the sunlight filters through the kelp, making the rust glow a deep orange. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the rugged beauty of cold-water diving, rather than just vibrant colours. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, overcast day, just after high tide, when the light is soft and the currents minimal, allowing you to really soak in the wreck's character. Bring a good torch, you'll want it for the darker corners.