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
8 to 15 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
6 to 16°C
Drysuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Vis (m) | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Current | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate | Strong | Strong |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Grey Seal
Last confirmed Jun 5, 2026 · 6 records
Very likely
Most dives
Greylag Goose
Last confirmed Jun 14, 2026 · 20 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Last confirmed Jun 24, 2026 · 18 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Atlantic Beadlet Anemone
Last confirmed Jun 16, 2026 · 14 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Cuckoo Wrasse
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Jewel Anemone
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Stalked Jellyfish
Expected
Known here, not yet in recent logs
Gear