Wreck of Princess Patricia

Protected Area

South Coast of Arran

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 Princess Patricia 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 *Princess Patricia* off the Scottish West Coast isn't for the faint of heart, but for those who brave the chill, it’s a proper adventure. We love this site for its sheer character; she’s a relatively intact former passenger ferry, sunk deliberately in 1966, now lying upright. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the scale, with the silhouette of the superstructure emerging from the gloom. Visibility here can be a game of chance, but when it's good, you can make out details like portholes and the bridge structure. Strong currents are often present, so this is definitely one for experienced divers who are comfortable in challenging conditions. Our favourite part has to be exploring the various decks, now home to a surprising amount of life – we’ve seen everything from plump lobsters tucked into crevices to schools of saithe swirling around the mast. The wreck feels alive, a steel reef thriving in the cool Scottish waters. Bring a good torch, and prepare for an atmospheric dive.