Wreck of John Preston
Protected Area
Glas Eileanan
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 Preston offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The John Preston is just classic Scottish wreck diving. It’s not about tropical colours here, it’s about atmosphere, history, and a good few challenges thrown in. The wreck itself is pretty broken up, scattered across the seabed, but that’s half the fun. You spend your dive piecing together the story, spotting a boiler here, a crumpled plate there. Our pick for exploring is definitely the bow section; it’s still fairly intact and makes for some brilliant swim-throughs, just watch your buoyancy in the tighter spots. What we love about the Preston is how the cold, nutrient-rich water has turned it into an artificial reef. You’ll find colossal plumose anemones, often in bright oranges and whites, covering almost every surface. Look for the wolfish lurking in crevices, their prehistoric faces are always a treat, and crabs scuttling amongst the debris. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, typical for the West Coast, so we always suggest picking a day with minimal swell for the best chance of a clear run. It's a dive for those who appreciate the chill of the North Atlantic and a bit of a scavenger hunt beneath the waves.
Typical Wreck of John Preston Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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