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Underwater at Garvellachs Islands
Peak season now

Garvellachs Islands

Oban · United Kingdom

The Garvellachs, a remote chain of uninhabited islands south of Seil, are surrounded by kelp-draped walls and boulder slopes that support one of Scotland's most accessible grey seal colonies. Swell-polished rock faces carry enormous diversity of encrusting life — sponges, hydroids, jewel anemones, and sea squirts in a riot of colour that confounds the perception of Scotland as a drab diving destination. Nudibranchs are exceptional here, with over 30 species recorded in a single season.

Conditions

Depth

5 to 30 m

Open water and up

Current

Usually gentle

Can pick up on the edge

Visibility

10 to 18 m

Clearest in the calm season

Water

6 to 16°C

Drysuit

Your chances of seeing each animal

See all species recorded here →

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Gear

  • Basic kit

    • Mask and fins
    • BCD and regulator
    • 7mm wetsuit or drysuit · cold water
    • Dive computer