AARLA
Protected Area
Sgavoch
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - AARLA offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Aarla, a 1903 yacht that met its end in 1947 after an explosion, sits upright at 35 metres. It's a proper old girl, with enough intact structure to give you a real sense of her former glory. We always enjoy tracing the deck line and poking around where the superstructure once stood, though the engines, built by Blohm & Voss, are a clear highlight. Look closely in the nooks and crannies; crabs and lobsters have made the wreckage their own, and often, we find conger eels peering out from the deeper sections. It’s a compelling dive for those comfortable with deeper UK conditions, offering a journey back to a different maritime era.
Typical AARLA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (35m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for AARLA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AARLA
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