The Hebrides is a Diver's Paradise...

Little islands dotted around in a huge variety of water depths, crystal clear waters giving up to 50m visibility, high energy sites with exciting currents, mean that the beauty and attraction of the islands to divers and keen underwater photographers is found mainly below the sea. We have something for every diver: sandy bays, kelp forests, reefs and pinnacles, numerous wrecks and fantastic sea life - 23 species of cetacean can be spotted.

Our most famous diving site: St Kilda

St Kilda is rightfully recognised as one of the world's best diving sites - and although it is 40 miles off the coast of North Uist, many keen divers know that it is well worthwhile making the journey to this diving mecca. The islands of St Kilda: Hirta, Boreray, Soay, Dun and Levenish, are home to over a million seabirds and have many accolades that reflect their importance - including being designated a UN World Heritage Site, and a National Scenic area. The remains of an ancient volcano, St Kilda has been eroded by the years and has metamorphosed in to spectacular scenery: striking sea stacks, the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, arches, tunnels and caves, and clear water with excellent visibility make for a dream seascape. For more information on St Kilda and a list of National Trust for Scotland approved charters see www.kilda.org.uk.

Our most famous wreck - Am Politician

Most famous, but not necessarily the best dive! Am Politician has attracted hundreds of divers since she was wrecked off Eriskay over 50 years ago. The big attraction is the ship's cargo: over 28,000 cases of whisky. As immortalised in the wonderful book and film, Whisky Galore, by Compton Mackenzie, much of this wonderful cargo was salvaged by the Eriskay locals back in 1941 when the Politician hit the rocks. The stern section is now all that's left, on a sandbank off Rosinish Point, Eriskay. There are many interesting wrecks to dive around the islands, contact one of the operators listed below for advice.

Diving the Islands: Charters...

Island Cruises specialises in diving cruises for trained groups of divers around the coasts of the islands. Formerly a fishery research vessel for Liverpool University, MV Cuma is 67ft long and has been expertly converted into a comfortable cruise boat for up to twelve passengers. The Cuma's skipper, Murdo Macdonald has a lifetime's knowledge of the Outer Hebrides' seaboard. You can dive aboard the Cuma in crystal clear waters warmed by the Gulf Stream. Vertical drop-offs, pinnacles, slopes and waters full of marine life, including lobster, crayfish, cuttlefish and octopus, all wait to be explored. St Kilda has excellent, scenic dives, along with the Flannan Isles and the West Coast of Lewis, Scarp and Gasker, with its well known seal colony. Several Flannan locations are virtually unexplored, and many underwater sites and still waiting to be discovered. If you're less adventurous or just hungry you can dive the inshore lochs to collect a few scallops for breakfast, or just satisfy your curiosity. Decide on what type of dives you want, and between our knowledge and your equipment and experience, we can devise an itinerary that will capture your imagination and send you home with many vivid memories. www.island-cruising.com, telephone +44 (0)1851 672381.

Amongst many other adventure activities, Uist Outdoor Centre can offer diving charters on its 5.8m power boat "Sea Fury" to sheltered sea lochs around the Minch or clear oceanic waters in the West. Lochmaddy itself, where the centre is based, is a Marine Area of Conservation, with unique underwater flora and fauna. www.uistoutdoorcentre.co.uk, telelphone +44 (0)1876 500480.

Seatrek has a Nelson 42 (speed - 20 knots, cruise - 15 knots) with a licence for 12 passengers to 60 miles offshore available for charter hires - ideal for diving groups. www.seatrek.co.uk, telephone +44 (0)1851 672464.