wreck

Log This Dive

BERBICE

When we think of UK wreck diving, Berbice often gets overlooked, and that’s a shame, especially for a site that delivers such a tangible link to history. This isn't your deep, dark penetration dive. Berbice lies just off the Northumberland coast, barely covered even at high tide, which makes it perfect for a shallow snorkel or a relaxed dive when the sea's playing nice. We love the way the wooden ribs of this old sailing vessel – sunk way back in 1827 – emerge from the sand, dark and encrusted. You’ll find crabs scuttling amongst the timbers, and often a few inquisitive wrasse poking around. The visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the Northeast, but when it clears, the light filtering through the shallow water really highlights the structure. Our pick for visiting Berbice is always a calm day with a low tide on the push – that gives you maximum light and the least surge. It's a genuinely atmospheric spot, a quiet piece of maritime history you can easily spend an hour exploring, imagining the old wooden ship still sailing the North Sea.