Wreck of Kestrel

Protected Area

Lamlash Bay

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 Kestrel 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 Kestrel wreck on Scotland’s west coast really gets under your skin. It’s not about huge pelagics or technicolour reefs here, but rather a proper dive into history and the hardy marine life that thrives in colder waters. We love the way the Kestrel sits, often draped in long strands of kelp that sway with the surge, giving the whole dive a moody, ethereal feel. Visibility can swing wildly, as it often does in these parts, but when it’s good, you can make out the ship’s structure remarkably well. Look for the resident conger eels peeking out from darkened compartments, their heads thick as your arm. We’ve also found plenty of colourful nudibranchs clinging to the metal, little jewels against the rust. This is a dive for those who appreciate the quiet drama of a historical site and aren't afraid of a bit of a chill; it rewards patience and a keen eye for detail. Pack a good torch, as even on brighter days, the deeper sections demand some extra light to truly explore.