Wreck of John Dunkin

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 John Dunkin 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 the John Dunkin, sitting on the seabed off the Scottish West Coast, is a proper dive, one that really gets under your skin. We love it because it’s not just a pile of metal; you can feel the history here. Plunging down, the sheer scale of the wreck emerges from the gloom, its skeletal remains draped in various kelp species and anemones. It’s a site that really comes alive under your torch beam, revealing details like the intact boiler and parts of the engine. There's a real sense of exploration as you navigate the different sections. Keep an eye out for the resident wrasse and pollock darting in and out of the superstructure, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a ling lurking in a shadowy crevice. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide to really appreciate its grandeur and allow time to properly poke around. It's a site that rewards repeat visits, offering new perspectives each time the visibility shifts. A solid choice for divers who appreciate a wreck with a story.