ALBATROSS
Protected Area
New Ferry
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ALBATROSS offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Albatross isn't deep, not even close, but that’s precisely its charm. It’s a partially salvaged barge, sunk in 1925, and what’s left of it lies utterly broken up, scattered across the seabed at a mere metre. We love it because it’s not some grand, intact vessel; instead, it’s a sprawling, archaeological puzzle board. You’ll spend your dive picking through twisted metal plates, exposed ribs, and heavy timbers, imagining the force that ripped it apart. It’s an ideal site for a long, slow second dive or for newer drysuit divers getting comfortable with their buoyancy in shallower water. The marine life here isn’t big, but it’s busy; wrasse flit between the wreckage, small crabs scuttle under plates, and the anemones cling to every surface. On a sunny day, the light filters down, illuminating the rusty hues and making the kelp sway rhythmically around the remnants. Our favourite approach is to drop in at high slack, giving you the clearest views of the spread. Don't expect dramatic swim-throughs, but do expect a surprisingly engaging exploration of history and humble underwater life.
Typical ALBATROSS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ALBATROSS Wreck History
Year Sunk
1925
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown
Lying in just one meter of water off the Northumberland coast, the remains of the barge Albatross are more of a navigational hazard than a traditional dive site, earning it a 'Dangerous Wreck' classification. It met its end on September 16, 1925, for reasons that are no longer recorded. For nearly a century, the relentless North Sea has battered its structure, leaving behind a scattered and broken debris field. While not a typical scuba destination, on the calmest of days, snorkelers or kayakers might catch a glimpse of this piece of local history resting just beneath the surface, a stark reminder of the power of the sea.
Nearest Dive Centres to ALBATROSS
Dive shops near ALBATROSS
Aquaventurers
Blue Planet Aquarium
Shipmates
Delph Watersports Centre
Southsea Scuba
Diving & Marine Services
Reviews for ALBATROSS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ALBATROSS
Plan & book
Ways to dive Northumberland & Northeast, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Northumberland & NortheastPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Northumberland & Northeast.
Search stays in Northumberland & NortheastDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near ALBATROSS
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
