United kingdom
TOP DIVE SITES – SCOTLAND
Chadwick – the wreck of a steam ship lies at a depth of 20 m. She was on her way to Russia, carrying a cargo of coal, when she ran onto rocks and sank in 1892. The wreck was broken into pieces but still some large parts can be found. This site is very picturesque due to the reef and rich marine life (dogfish, sea anemones, sometimes minke whales).Location: Oisgill Bay, SkyeType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sand, reefRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterConger Crevice – the main attraction here is an underwater wall and black basaltic walls. There is an abundance of marine life in this area. It is common to see conger eels, lobsters, crabs, pollacks, wrasses, colourful anemones and even seals. The maximum depth is 22 m.Location: SkyeType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sand, rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterDoris – the wreck of a Norwegian steam ship lies at a depth of 30 m. The ship was carrying a cargo from Liverpool to Poland. However, she ran into fog, hit the rocks and sank in 1892. The wreck gives shelter to many marine species. With a bit of luck one may see a basking shark in this area. Location: Neist Point, SkyeType of dive: shore diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterFlossnan – the main attraction here is an underwater wall covered with marine life (sea urchins, sponges and sea anemones). Lobsters and crabs hide in the holes of the wall. There is also a reef in this area. The maximum depth is 20 m. Location: Idrigill Point, SkyeType of dive: shore/boat diveSea bed: sand/rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterBSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterLochbay Pinnacle – this pinnacle rises from a depth of 21 m and is 15 m high. This site is teeming with marine life: pollacks, wrasses, starfish, crabs, etc. It is also a nice spot for night diving.Location: SkyeType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterMacLeod’s Maiden’s – this site is famous for the beautiful pinnacles, gulleys, small caves and rich marine life. A good visibility makes it a nice place for underwater photography. The maximum depth is 25 m.Location: near Loch Bracadale, SkyeType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterMeanish Pier – a very picturesque shore dive with the main attraction being an underwater wall which starts at a depth of 15 m and ends 5 m below the surface. The wall is covered with various types of corals. There is plenty of marine life in this area (crabs, lobsters, sponges, etc.). This spot is great for night dives. There is also a beautiful reef near this spot. The maximum depth is 18 m.Location: Meanish, SkyeType of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterPort Napier – the wreck of a naval minelayer lies at a depth of 20 m. The vessel was loaded with explosive materials when she caught fire and sank in 1940. The mines were picked out in 1955. Penetrating the wreck can be an amazing experience thanks to good visibility and plenty of light.Location: Loch Alsh, SkyeType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterUrlana – the wreck of a British steam ship lies at a depth of 10 m. The ship was on her way from Argentina to England, however, she ran into bad weather and sank in 1943. Besides rich marine life divers may see some remains of ammunition and other artifacts.Location: Loch Bracadale, SkyeType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water