When talking about the beauty of Scotland’s West Coast, we often look at the picturesque views, unique wildlife, historic castles and the tranquil villages dotted across the landscape. Scotland’s beauty is tied up in its magnificent mountains and rolling glens. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find an entirely different world, one that’s often overlooked by locals and tourist alike…the mystery of Scotland’s waters and seas.
Whilst diving enthusiasts are often attracted to the waters of Australia or Mexico, Scotland’s West Coast has a diverse range of diving sites that can challenge even the most experienced of divers.
The sound of Mull in particular has a lot to offer. According to Lochaline Dive Centre, all of the main wreck sites in the sound of Mull can be covered over the course of two days, including the SS Hispania, SS Shauna, Thesis, Rondo, and Breda.
From Tobermory it’s usually best to start by sailing south to the SS Hispania – the Swedish vessel that sank in 1954. Although gradually decaying as time passes, the vessel remains fairly intact and continues to be one of the best diving locations on offer across the whole of the British Isles.
Below is a fantastic video of divers from Scuba Scotland exploring the SS Hispania!
Another wreckage site open to divers is that of the SS Shuna, another sunken vessel which sank in 1913 whilst carrying a cargo of coal. The ship was discovered 78 years after it sank, sits upright and intact and can be dived to in all states of tide.
Other interesting diving sites that can be visited are the Fuinary Rocks and Scallastle Bay. The trips to the Fuinary Rocks provide an entirely different experience to that of the shipwrecks. With a depth range of 5-30 metres, the rocks are a fascinating scenic dive with plenty of underwater life, such as snakelocks anemone.
Scallastle Bay is a dive closer to Mull, in Lochaline, which gifts divers the opportunity to visit the wreckage sites of a wartime bomber. One of the main highlights of this dive that participants are treated to is discovering the cannon that remains detached from the bomber.
There are so many great dives around the West Coast of Scotland, both within the Sound of Mull and the surrounding area, that’ll give divers of every skill level plenty to see and experience.
If you’re interested in diving in the Sound of Mull next year, why not compliment your trip with our Three Isles Tour and experience the full beauty of the Hebridean Island!
