GIBHOW

Protected Area

Puffin Island - Ynys Seiriol

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - GIBHOW 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 Gibhow isn't one for the faint of heart, or those expecting an easy entry. Sitting just 100 feet east of the Dinmoor Quarries jetties, this barge, sunk in October 1968 after breaking its moorings, is now a proper wreck. We love it because it’s a robust piece of industrial history, quickly colonised by the North Sea's resilient critters. You'll fin down onto a jumble of twisted metal, a proper wreck shape emerging from the murk. The holds are still identifiable, offering some tight swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments. Our favourite part is the sheer quantity of wrasse that call this home – they flit in and out of the skeletal structure, bold and curious. Look closely for the smaller stuff too, the nudibranchs grazing the encrusting sponges and anemones. This dive is best for experienced divers comfortable with colder water and potentially strong currents, but it offers a rewarding glimpse into the working history of the Northumberland coast.