Wreck of Laurel

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 Laurel 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 Laurel, just off the Scottish West Coast, is a proper adventure. We always tell people, don't come here expecting a tropical reef. This is cold-water diving at its finest, and the Laurel delivers a raw, historical punch. The wreck itself, a steam trawler that went down in 1913, sits largely intact, offering fascinating penetration opportunities for those with the right training. We’ve spent hours exploring her holds, imagining the crew's last moments, the light filtering in through gaps in the deck plating. What we really love about the Laurel is how she’s become an artificial reef. Her steel plates are thick with dead man's fingers, and we often spot wolf fish lurking in shadowed compartments, their flat faces peering out. Ling and conger eels are common residents, too, twisting through rusted machinery. We'd suggest aiming for a slack tide to really enjoy the penetration; currents here can be a bit lively. Come prepared for the chill, but expect a rewarding dive that connects you to a piece of maritime history.