Wreck of Norval

Protected Area

Firth of Lorn

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 Norval 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 Norval is our favourite kind of Scottish wreck, a proper old cargo steamer that feels like a ghost from another era. She’s not deep, around 10-15 metres depending on the tide, which makes her accessible and means you get a good bottom time, even if the visibility can be a bit variable. We love poking around the engine room, which is still largely intact, and the bow section has some great structure where you'll often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plates. This wreck truly comes alive with the residents. The metalwork is completely encrusted with plumose anemones, creating these incredible white and orange carpets that sway gently in the surge. Look closely and you'll spot crabs scuttling amongst them, and often shoals of saithe circling overhead. The Norval is a great dive for anyone who appreciates history and enjoys exploring a well-colonised artificial reef, just remember to pick your weather window for the best conditions.