Wreck of Gnome

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 Gnome 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 Gnome isn't about big pelagics or colourful reef fish, it's about history and atmosphere. This isn't a 'swim-through-everything' kind of wreck, but more of a respectful exploration. We love how the metalwork, a relic from the First World War, is slowly being consumed by the sea. You’ll find plumose anemones coating the structure, their white polyps swaying gently in the current, alongside common blennies peeking from crevices. Keep an eye out for velvet swimming crabs scuttling across the plates. The visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is on the West Coast, but when it’s good, the light filtering down through the green water gives the whole site an eerie, almost reverent feel. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, if possible, to really take your time and appreciate the details. It’s a dive for those who enjoy maritime history and the quiet beauty of temperate wrecks.