EARL OF CHATHAM

Protected Area

Cemlyn 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 - EARL OF CHATHAM 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 Earl of Chatham isn’t a deep dive, which we love. You’re looking at a wreck that really comes alive in decent visibility, say 5m plus, and it's fantastic for newer wreck divers or those just wanting a relaxed explore. We’ve always found it a bit moody, which is part of its charm. The stern is often the most intact section, with the propeller still a real highlight on a good day. What you'll find here is a genuine slice of history, broken up but still recognisable as a former steamship. The metal plates are now colonised by dead man's fingers and colourful anemones, swaying gently with the surge. We’ve seen everything from schooling coalfish darting through the broken sections to the occasional inquisitive grey seal playing peek-a-boo. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, revealing new details each time the light and currents shift. Our top tip: go on a slack tide, otherwise it can be a bit of a tumble dryer.