NORTHWARD

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

South of Portland

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - NORTHWARD offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 51m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

We love a good wreck with a story, and the Northward delivers. Sunk back in 1969 after an explosion, this yacht sits upright on the seabed at 51 metres, surprisingly intact for its age. It’s a deep dive, no doubt, but the reward is a quiet, almost eerie encounter with a vessel frozen in time. You can glide along the deck, peeking into the wheelhouse, and imagine its final moments. The visibility here can be classic UK – sometimes a bit murky, sometimes surprisingly clear, especially on a settled day. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the sand nearby, and conger eels peering from every dark recess of the hull. We’ve even spotted a few lobsters making themselves at home amongst the plates. Our favourite part is dropping down to the stern, where the prop is still visible, encrusted now with anemones, a vibrant contrast against the dark metal. It’s a dive for those comfortable with depth and who appreciate the history embedded in steel, rather than just colourful corals. Go on a slack tide for the best experience; even a gentle current can feel strong down there.