Wreck of Perelle

Protected Area

Red 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 Perelle 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 the Perelle is like stepping into a time capsule, a real slice of history lying in the chilly embrace of the Scottish West Coast. We love how this wartime casualty, a cargo ship sunk by a U-boat, feels so tangible, so accessible even for those newer to wreck diving. As you descend, the deck plates emerge from the gloom, often draped in long strands of kelp that sway with the gentle surge, giving the whole site a wonderfully eerie, almost spectral feel. Our favourite part has to be the stern section, where the prop shaft is still visible and the rudder stands proud, a testament to the ship’s final moments. We’ve often seen plump conger eels peeking from the darker recesses of the holds, and the metalwork here is encrusted with a mosaic of anemones and sponges, providing shelter for inquisitive wrasse. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every nook and cranny for signs of life or forgotten cargo. Best dived on a slack tide, obviously, to truly appreciate the scale without battling the current. This isn't a deep dive, making it perfect for divers keen to experience a genuine shipwreck without pushing their limits.