Wreck of Harriet

Protected Area

Ballantrae Shingle Beach

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 Harriet 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 Harriet is a proper West Coast dive, a true testament to the raw power of these northern waters. We love this site not just for the wreck itself, but for the sheer drama of diving here. Dropping down, the visibility can be fickle, but when it opens up, you’re greeted by the skeletal remains of a wooden sailing ship, probably a schooner, its timbers spread across a rocky seabed. You can often make out ribs and planks, now a dark, barnacled framework providing shelter for the resident critters. For us, the real joy is the smaller stuff – the anenomes clinging to every surface, the squat lobsters peeking from cracks, and the occasional dogfish cruising past. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of man-made objects by the sea. Don't expect dramatic coral, but rather a moody, atmospheric exploration that feels genuinely remote. The currents can be a factor, so we'd suggest timing your dive carefully around slack water for the most comfortable exploration. It’s a dive that rewards patience and a good torch.