Chacabuco Wreck

Protected Area

Great Orme

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Chacabuco Wreck 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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Chacabuco, off the Northumberland coast, is one of those wrecks that just grabs you. We love her character, the way she lies broken but still grand, a truly substantial piece of history. Dropping down, you’re often met with a green embrace, a typical North Sea welcome, but once your eyes adjust, the scale of her starts to impress. The bow section is particularly intact and feels enormous. You’ll find schools of saithe swirling around the superstructure, and ling tucked into the darker corners, their pale bodies almost glowing. She’s a fantastic rummage, easy to navigate for those with a bit of wreck experience, though the currents can be lively so we always check the tides carefully. On a good day, with a bit of sun filtering through, the wreck takes on a beautiful, ghostly quality. We’ve spent many a dive just exploring her deck plates, imagining the chaos of her sinking, and watching the crabs scuttling amongst the growth. A solid, rewarding dive for anyone who enjoys history with their crustaceans.