CAERNARVON BAY (PROBABLY)

Protected Area

Aberffraw Bay

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - CAERNARVON BAY (PROBABLY) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 30m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Caernarvon Bay, probably, because let’s be honest, those charts can be a bit… interpretive sometimes. This lightship, a relatively intact beast, sits upright at 30 metres, a dark silhouette on the seafloor. We love a wreck with a bit of mystery, and this one delivers. Drop down, and you’ll find its structure still substantial, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to poke around. Our favourite part has to be the mast, often bristling with anemones, a vibrant splash of colour in the gloom. Look closer, and you’ll spot dead man’s fingers clinging to the steel, swaying gently with the current. This wreck attracts some decent-sized cod and ling, often tucked into shadowed sections, so keep your torch handy. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; Northumberland diving is rarely tropical, but the rewards are there for the determined. Just remember to pick a calm day; the North Sea can bite.

Typical CAERNARVON BAY (PROBABLY) Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Depth of 30m - Advanced Open Water 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.

Today06:3817:3410h 56m daylightGolden hour 16:47

CAERNARVON BAY (PROBABLY) Wreck History

Vessel Type

lightship

Cause

unknown

The wreck tentatively identified as the Caernarvon Bay is a former lightship, a floating lighthouse that once served as a vital navigational aid for mariners. These sturdy vessels were anchored in strategic, often dangerous, locations where building a permanent lighthouse was impossible. They were the unsung heroes of maritime safety, holding their station through the worst of storms to guide other ships to safety. The circumstances and date of this particular lightship's sinking are not well-documented, adding a layer of mystery to the dive.

Lying at a depth of 30 meters, this is a dive for more experienced adventurers. The wreck is a substantial structure on the seabed, and divers can explore the unique features of a lightship, such as its strong hull, heavy-duty mooring systems, and the remnants of the lantern tower structure. The Caernarvon Bay offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and serves as an impressive artificial reef, often patrolled by schools of fish and decorated with colorful anemones.