
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
Grey SealLeast concern
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Cuckoo Wrasse
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Jewel Anemone
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Stalked Jellyfish
Rare
Now and then
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