Introduction
Between the 10th and the 16th of May 2025, four members of the Marlin Sub Aqua Club embarked on a spectacular diving expedition to the Sound of Mull – a location famed for its historic wrecks, vibrant marine life, and Scottish charm.

Joining forces with Honeydew Adventure Charters based at Dunstaffnage Marina, our six-day trip was filled with adventure, exploration, world-class diving and superb weather.

Day 1 – Bach Island & The Breda
Our first dive at Bach Island set the tone for the week beautifully.
A scenic wall dive, descending through lush kelp to 20 metres, revealed thriving marine life, including octopus, nudibranchs, edible crabs, lobsters, crawfish, and dead man’s fingers, among the highlights. Visibility was an impressive 10 metres. The second dive of the day was a slightly deeper dive on the Wreck of the Breda, a largely intact cargo vessel sitting upright. Descending to the rudder, which is at 27.7 metres, we explored the debris field along the port side, spotting the bridge top, cargo remnants, broken glass, and tyres—a great wreck to start our week.

Credit: Rob Farrow – August 2024

Day 2 – John Preston & SS Rondo
Our morning began at John Preston Wreck, also known as Slate Wreck. Since the wreck sank in 1882, most of the wooden hull has deteriorated. The stacks of roofing slates remain an impressive sight. The dive was shallow, with expansive scallop beds providing some tasty rewards. Dive two took us to the near-vertical wreck of the SS Rondo. Starting at the rudder (6 metres), we followed the port side down to around 50 metres. The dive offers a dramatic experience for all qualification levels due to the wreck’s orientation. That evening, we docked at Lochaline and enjoyed a barbecue feast featuring freshly caught scallops. We also marvelled at the super fine sand from a nearby mine and did some fossil hunting on the beach.

Day 3 – SS Aurania & Tapti
Our morning dive was the SS Aurania, a well-scattered wreck in 20 metres of water. Highlights included glazed porcelain, bottles, and two massive boilers, which we could swim in between. Further discoveries included a bent prop shaft, bollards, anchors, and even a Belfast sink wedged in the wreckage. Later, we dived the wreck of the Tapti, following the shot to the bow and working our way along the broken wreckage. We explored the bridge bollards, chain locker, and hawse pipe,
with the bow sitting intact but resting to port. A strong current added a challenge, but this was nothing to worry about for those blessed with scooters.
Unable to enter Coll Harbour that evening due to the tide and a strong current, we remained at anchor—special thanks to three club members who took turns providing anchor watch during the night.

Day 4 – General Consul & Bo Fascadale Pinnacle
Our first dive was on the General Consul Wreck. Though little remains at 20 metres, we spotted coal, pipes, and part of the mast. A series of gullies made for a fun dive, particularly for those with scooters. Another chance for some scallop-gathering opportunity and some tasty crabs.
The afternoon dive at Bo Fascadale Pinnacle was outstanding. Beginning at 40 metres, we ascended slowly, following the wall to our left. This stunning pinnacle offered dramatic overhangs, plumose anemones, and an abundance of porcelain crabs. A 75-minute dive that truly showcased the beauty of West Coast sea life. We moored overnight in Tobermory (or Balamory, for nostalgic fans!).

Day 5 – Auliston Point & SS Hispania
The first dive at Auliston Point was a relaxed drift along a vibrant wall at a depth of 20 metres. Although it offers greater depth potential, the shallow route was teeming with life, including more plumose anemones and classic Scottish reef biodiversity. In the afternoon, we revisited the stunning wreck of the SS Hispania, lying on her starboard side. From the dramatic rudder and prop shaft to the impressive bow, anchor, and chain
locker, this wreck delivered again. We enjoyed excellent swim-throughs, stumbled across mystery mid-ship metal squares, and discovered the spare propeller near the accommodation area.

Day 6 – SS Shuna & Return to the Breda
Our final day opened with a dive on the wreck of the SS Shuna. At the stern, we examined the rudder, prop, and steering gear. The hull was silted but accessible, with open views into the engine and boiler rooms, as well as some lifeboat davits and a classic upright bow. We closed out the trip with a second, more thorough exploration of The Breda. This time, we discovered boilers, part of the boiler room, and numerous small finds, including soap, a fire hose, and boots—a fitting finale to a week of epic diving.

Reflections and Thanks
The Sound of Mull once again lived up to its reputation – a diver’s paradise of shipwrecks, sea life, and stories. The club spirit was as strong as ever, and everyone contributed to making the trip a successful and safe experience. Special thanks to Honeydew Adventure Charters for expert skippering and hospitality, and to everyone who helped organise, cook, lead, and support throughout the week.

Details of the booking
The cost of this trip was £875 per diver. This included all meals, onboard accommodation, hot drinks, snacks, and free air. It should be noted that Sarah is a fantastic cook, and you are truly spoiled with the food she serves and the baking she provides. Air is free, and Nitrox 32% is priced at £20 per twinset. All bedding and towels are provided.

Parking is available at Dunstaffnage Marina for a fee of £30 per vehicle per week. The town of Oban is a short drive away if you wish to obtain provisions or fuel for the return journey. There is also a bar on-site at the Marina, but remember that the boat will not always return to Dunstaffnage during the week, so take what you need from your vehicle.


Due to the shallow depths involved, this trip would be within the limits of an experienced Ocean diver and also an excellent opportunity to experience UK sea diving.