Wreck of Inniskea

Protected Area

South-East Islay Skerries

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 Inniskea 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 Inniskea is one of those dives that feels distinctly Scottish, even before you hit the water. It’s not about tropical colours here, but a different kind of beauty – rugged, historic, and surprisingly full of life. This isn’t a rummage-through-the-bowls kind of wreck; the Inniskea is quite broken up, but that’s precisely why we love it. Its scattered remains create this incredible artificial reef, a jumble of metal plates and twisted girders that just beg for exploration. What you'll find here is a true haven for cold-water critters. Look closely and you’ll spot plumose anemones swaying gently from every surface, their white tentacles almost glowing in the often dimmer light. Conger eels are regulars, peering out from beneath collapsed sections, and we often find them tucked into the nooks and crannies. Dogfish sometimes cruise by, making lazy passes over the debris field. The real joy of the Inniskea is in taking your time, letting your eyes adjust to the subtle tones, and discovering the sheer amount of life clinging to and hiding within the wreck’s bones. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the tenacity of nature, a proper West Coast experience.