Wreck of Mary Ellen

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 Mary Ellen 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

Diving a Scottish wreck usually means chilly fingers and a good story, and the Mary Ellen delivers on both fronts. We love how atmospheric this dive is, even on a day when the visibility isn't playing ball. Dropping onto her deck, you’ll see the bow still quite intact, a ghostly outline in the murk. It's not a wreck for poking through endless corridors, but rather for appreciating the sheer resilience of a vessel claimed by the sea. You'll find plenty of inquisitive wrasse darting through her superstructure, and we’ve often spotted the odd dogfish tucked away in a shadowed corner. Our favourite part is the stern, where the propeller still stands proud, encrusted with dead man's fingers. It’s a photographer's dream if you can handle the low light. This wreck suits divers who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of an artificial reef, rather than those seeking vibrant coral. Go on a slack tide for the best experience.