Wreck of Westerbotten

Protected Area

South-East Islay Skerries

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 Westerbotten 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 Westerbotten isn't just a hunk of metal on the seabed, it’s a proper time capsule, and one of our favourite dives when the Scottish weather plays nice. This old Swedish cargo steamer, sunk in 1941, sits upright and largely intact, making for some truly atmospheric exploration. We love dropping down onto her decks and peering into the holds, where you can still make out the remnants of her cargo. The structure itself, encrusted with dead man's fingers and colourful anemones, provides refuge for all sorts of critters – we often spot wrasse darting in and out of the plating and the occasional inquisitive conger eel peeking from a dark corner. The visibility here can be temperamental, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates the green water, the sight of her masts reaching upwards is genuinely striking. This dive really suits those who appreciate maritime history and a bit of a challenge; strong currents can sometimes be an issue, so good buoyancy and an experienced guide are a must.