Wreck of Exmouth

Protected Area

Gruinart 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 Exmouth 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 Exmouth** on the Scottish West Coast isn’t one of those overly-touted sites, but we think it punches well above its weight for sheer atmosphere. Dropping onto her bow, you immediately feel the history; the Exmouth went down in 1891, and a century of currents and creatures have woven themselves into her remains. We love ghosting along the stern, where the prop shaft stretches out into the gloom, a really evocative swim. Visibility here can be a bit moody, often a rich, emerald green that just adds to the wreck’s mystery. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels, they’re often tucked into the deeper recesses, and the odd wolf fish has been known to make an appearance. Our favourite part is exploring the midships, where the hull plates have buckled, creating little swim-throughs and overhangs perfect for plump plumose anemones. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration rather than speed, and we’d suggest taking your time to really absorb the quiet dignity of this old vessel. It's a proper cold-water wreck, perfect for divers who appreciate history and a bit of a challenge.