Wrecks to ruins: The best diving sites around Scotland's coasts

St Kilda offers among the best underwater visibility in Scotland.

When most people first consider learning to dive, they imagine themselves in tropical, warm waters, but with miles of coastline, glorious wildlife and a rich maritime history, Scotland offers some of the most scenic and exciting dives in the world.

Whether you’re a complete novice looking to start a new hobby and you want to ‘test the waters’ with a fun dive experience, you’ve tried an introductory dive on holiday and want to explore more, or you’re an experienced scuba diver seeking advanced certifications and adventure – exhilarating and memorable dive experiences can be found at PADI Dive Centres located across Scotland.

The waters around Scotland are home to Marine Protected Areas, historic shipwrecks and hundreds of varieties of marine life ranging from crustaceans, conger eels, seahorses and octopuses, to jellyfish, seals, dolphins, and even sharks. PADI, the world’s largest diving organisation give their top tips on Scotland’s best dive destinations.

Scapa Flow, Scotland

In 1919, at least 52 vessels of the German fleet were scuttled in Scapa Flow on the Orkney Islands off Scotland’s Northern coast. Many have been salvaged over the years, but the remaining wrecks provide an eerie reminder of turn-of-the-century naval technology and have become some of the most famous wreck sites in the world. Wreck dives here include three 177m/580ft battleships and four 155m/510ft cruisers.

Scapa has something for everyone. Blockships, old sailing ships, fishing vessels, and the Churchill Barriers provide a shallower foray for newer divers. And there’s plenty of scenic diving around Orkney too (such as North Shoal and Old Man of Hoy) where you can find soft corals, sponges, crustaceans, sea stars, nudibranchs, fish, and seals.

Kraken Diving, PADI Dive Resort, +44 793 349 2349, info@krakendiving.co.uk, www.krakendiving.co.uk/

The Sound of Mull

More world-class wreck diving awaits in the Sound of Mull on Scotland’s west coast, where a Swedish merchant ship that hit a reef and sank in 1954 is the crown jewel. Try to visit in summer, when the ship’s crust of marine life is at its most lush, with anemones, crustaceans and urchins carpeting nearly every inch of the hull.

Puffin Dive Centre, +44 1631 566088, Info@puffin.org.uk, www.puffin.org.uk

Loch Ness

Not for the faint-hearted! Whilst the probability of encountering Nessie is not a realistic one, the loch presents a mysterious allure for divers. Though the surface is generally calm, the cold water in this freshwater loch is darkened by peat which makes for an eerie dive.

You may not see the abundance of life you would in other sea lochs, but even the most hardened diver will love the test. It is highly recommended you dive with an experienced local guide.

Highland Diving, +44 7917 286985, info@highlanddiving.co.uk, highlanddiving.co.uk

Loch Long

With sites such as “A Frames” and “Conger Alley” accessible as shore dives, and only about an hour’s drive from Glasgow, it is easy to see why many divers head to this stunning location for their fun dives.

There are diving options to suit all abilities, and as the sea loch is more sheltered than coastal locations, diving conditions are generally favourable. There is plenty of marine life, with anemones, sea squirts and sponges, lobsters and conger eels. Less common visitors include dolphin, orca and whales.

Scuba Diving Scotland, 0800 228 9099, info@scubadivingscotland.co.uk, www.scuba-diving-scotland.myshopify.com/

The Forth: Blae Rock

Blae Rock is one of the hidden gems of scuba diving in Scotland. Located on Scotland’s east coast, the site presents divers with an array of anemones, brittle stars, shrimp and crab.

Accessible by boat, Blae Rock is great for all levels of divers with depths ranging from 6 metres to 40 metres. This is a perfect site for the underwater photography enthusiast, with divers often amazed but the huge spectrum of colour they see.

Deep Blue Scuba, +44 131 229 4838, info@deepbluescuba.co.uk, www.deepbluescuba.co.uk

Moray Firth

Head out on two-hour boat trips from Cromarty to spot resident dolphins and scout for minke whales and common and grey seals.

Aberdeen Diving Services, +44 1224 675320, info@aberdeendivingservices.co.uk, www.aberdeendivingservices.co.uk

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the largest diving organisation with a global community of 6,600 dive centres and resorts. For over 50 years, PADI has set the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives.