Wreck of Forest Chief

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 Forest Chief 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

Alright, the *Forest Chief*. Now, this isn’t your sun-drenched Caribbean wreck. Forget your flip-flops; this is proper drysuit diving, and we love it for its moody, evocative charm. Dropping onto the deck of this old steamship, it feels like stepping back in time, a real piece of maritime history suspended in the often-chilly Scottish waters. What we really appreciate here is the scale. She lies fairly intact, so you can spend a good chunk of your bottom time exploring the holds, perhaps poking your head into the engine room if you’re comfortable with a bit of penetration. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it’s good, you’ll see shoals of pollack swirling around the superstructure, and ling peering out from darkened crevices. Our favourite detail? The way the kelp has completely colonised parts of the deck, swaying in the gentle surge, making the whole scene feel like a forgotten underwater garden. This site truly suits divers who appreciate historical context and don't mind a bit of a chill for a genuinely atmospheric dive. Come prepared for typical Scottish conditions, and she won’t disappoint.