Belonging Below the Surface: A Dive Trip to Dunoon with Wreckspeditions

There’s something about a January dive trip that sets the tone for the year ahead. While most divers are waiting for the Easter season to get back in the water, we say—why stop?
With adventure calling and camaraderie guaranteed, the recent three-day trip to Dunoon with Wreckspeditions was nothing short of unforgettable.
This wasn’t just about diving; it was about good food, great laughs, and the kind of friendships forged in the cold but warmed by shared experiences (and, let’s be honest, a hot tub or two!).

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Day 1: Wrecks, Laughter & a RHIB-Top Surprise

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From the moment we arrived in Dunoon, it was clear this was going to be a special trip.
We kicked things off with a hearty meal at Trust, setting the stage for a weekend of indulgence. A nightcap at The Clansman with Miss Shirley kept spirits high before the first of many post-dive hot tub sessions at Firthview House.

The first morning of diving came with a classic Jason Coles welcome—a little “motivational chat” (read: bollocking) for tardiness, quickly followed by his signature humor that set the tone for the day.
Our first dive was the wreck of The Greenock, a stunning iron steam hopper dredger from 1876. Lying upright at 30m, its structure is still remarkably intact, making for an incredible descent.
But the real star of the morning? A post-dive hot chocolate, complete with cream and marshmallows, handed to us on a RHIB boat. Absolute luxury in the middle of the Clyde!

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The second dive of the day was the MV Seagull—though let’s be honest, most of us were still buzzing from the Greenock (or maybe the sugar rush from the hot chocolate).
The day ended with a homemade pizza night, where Oli’s sausage and glazed bacon creation became the undisputed favorite. We rounded things off with a hot tub session under the stars, with Michael’s app giving us a guided tour of the night sky.

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Day 2: Big Wrecks, Big Laughs, and a Chill Dive

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The Akka—the Clyde’s largest diveable wreck—was waiting for us on day two.
At 442 feet long, this bulk cargo carrier sits upright, offering a vast playground for exploration.
The eerie grandeur of the ship combined with unexpectedly good visibility made this dive a highlight for many.

After that, it was time for something a little more relaxed. The Gantocks, a shallower site featuring anti-submarine netting,
offered an easy, scenic dive, teeming with marine life.
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We even managed to collect a few scallops, which later made a delicious addition to our evening meal at the Argyll Hotel.

Jason and Claire from Wreckspeditions joined us for a night of storytelling, teasing, and, of course, another hot tub session.

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Day 3: Marine Life & Memories at Loch Long and Loch Goil

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For our final day, Jason took us further afield to explore the wreck of The Avrella. At just 65 feet long and sitting between 22-28m, it’s a relatively small wreck—but packed with marine life.
The shot line alone was bursting with color, making for an awe-inspiring descent. Despite a determined (but unsuccessful) hunt for the anchor, it was a dive to remember.

As we surfaced for the last time on this trip, there was an unspoken understanding among us: this wasn’t just about the dives. It was about the people.
The banter, the cold boat rides made worthwhile by warm drinks and even warmer company, the shared joy of spotting something spectacular beneath the surface—this is what brings us back time and time again.

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Don’t Miss Out by Missing Out

If you’ve ever thought about joining one of our trips but haven’t taken the plunge yet, let this be your sign.
The next adventure is happening in September—and trust us, you don’t want to be sitting at home watching the photos roll in, wishing you were there.


Sign-up links will be posted on our social media channels and newsletter soon, so stay tuned.

Because the real magic of these trips? It’s not just the diving—it’s belonging to something bigger. And we can’t wait for you to be part of it.

See you in the water!

Write-Up By: Alwyn Hughes