Wreck of Mary Wilson

Protected Area

Oronsay and South Colonsay

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 Wilson 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 Mary Wilson, off Scotland's west coast, isn't about tropical colours. It's about atmosphere, history, and the rugged beauty of a cold-water wreck. We love the way this old cargo ship has become part of the seabed, a skeletal structure in the green-grey light. You’ll weave through ribs and plates, often spotting conger eels lurking in the deeper recesses, their heads poking out from shadowed corners. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet drama of temperate waters, where the wreck itself is the star, slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. Expect to see schools of saithe darting around the superstructure and the occasional inquisitive seal playing hide and seek amongst the twisted metal. The feeling here is one of peaceful decay. Our favourite part has to be exploring the holds, imagining the cargo she once carried. This dive is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with colder temperatures and who enjoy the challenge of navigating an older, more broken-up wreck. We’d suggest a good torch to really bring out the details and the marine life tucked away.