CISTUS - Northumberland & Northeast

When we talk about diving in the UK, especially up north, the Cistus often comes up. It’s not a deep dive, sitting at around 12-15 metres, which makes it pretty accessible. What we love about this site is how intact she still feels for a wreck that's been down since 1956. You can still make out the bow and stern, and it’s not just a pile of scattered metal. The Cistus, a former sailing vessel, now lies on a sandy seabed. As you descend, the superstructure slowly emerges, draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones – pure white against the gloomier North Sea water. We’ve often seen schooling coalfish darting through the holds, their scales flashing as they catch the ambient light. Keep an eye out for velvet swimming crabs too, often tucked into crevices, their red eyes peering out. Our favourite way to dive the Cistus is on a slack tide, otherwise, the current can really rip through here, making the penetration tricky. It’s a great site for photographers who enjoy macro life, as the anemones and hydroids host all sorts of smaller critters. It suits divers comfortable in cooler water, who appreciate a bit of history and don't mind a slightly lower visibility day. It’s a proper North Sea wreck, full of character.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.937138, -3.014142

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

0m

Marine Protected Area: Wyre Estuary