Wreck of Maggie Lauder

Protected Area

Kyles of Bute

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 Maggie Lauder 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 Maggie Lauder sits upright and largely intact, a real treat for any wreck enthusiast who doesn't mind a bit of chill. We love the way the holds are still so open; it’s easy to duck inside and imagine the cargo she once carried. You’ll find walls thickly coated in plumose anemones, their frilly crowns swaying gently in the mild current, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse peeking out from a porthole. It’s a proper dive into history, feeling the cold steel beneath your gloved hand, tracing the lines of her decks. Visibility can swing wildly up here, so we always check the forecast for a few days of settled weather before heading out. When it’s good, the light penetrates beautifully, illuminating the anemones in a kaleidoscope of oranges and whites. Keep an eye out for conger eels too; they’re often lurking in the darker recesses, looking rather grumpy about being disturbed. It’s a site that rewards multiple dives, each one revealing another detail you missed before. Definitely one for the drysuit crowd who appreciate a well-preserved wreck with some genuine atmosphere.