CUMBRAE - Northumberland & Northeast

The Cumbrae, sitting upright at just 8 metres, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She went down in 1895, a cargo steamer from Glasgow, and today she’s just begging to be explored. You can swim right through the intact bow section, which is our favourite part, feeling the old steel close around you, and then push on to the cargo holds. They’re usually full of pollack, and we’ve often spotted a grumpy wolf fish tucked into a corner. We especially love the way the deck timbers have long gone, opening up the hull to the light and making it easy to see her ribs. The stern’s a bit broken up, but the engine room, with its single boiler, is still very much there. The prop shaft extends towards the stern, a ghostly finger pointing to where she settled. We’d suggest hitting this on a slack tide for the best visibility, which, for Northumberland, can be surprisingly good here. It’s a brilliant dive for newer wreck divers or anyone who just enjoys a relaxed bimble around history.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.478300, -3.080667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to CUMBRAE

Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast

Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Cumbrae dive sites?
The Cumbrae dive site offers a typical diving depth of 8 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking for shallower wreck exploration in the Northumberland & Northeast region.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see around Cumbrae?
Divers at Cumbrae can expect to explore a fascinating underwater feature- a steam ship vessel. This wreck, measuring 70.2m x 9.7m, sank on December 11, 1895, and provides an intriguing structure to investigate. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems.
How challenging are the dive sites at Cumbrae for different experience levels?
The Cumbrae dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certifications, offering a rewarding challenge for those exploring the United Kingdom's underwater heritage.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Cumbrae for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine sightings at Cumbrae. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive in Cumbrae?
Given the intermediate difficulty classification for the Cumbrae dive site, divers should possess certifications that qualify them for such conditions. Typically, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is recommended to safely and comfortably explore sites of this nature.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving around Cumbrae?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical water conditions, currents, or visibility for diving around Cumbrae. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive in the Northumberland & Northeast area.