HARD LINES
Protected Area
Allonby Bay Highly Protected Marine Area
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HARD LINES offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
Okay, let’s be straight: Hard Lines isn’t your typical Northumberland wreck. At just two metres, it’s basically an intertidal archaeology project. We love it because it’s a living testament to the sea’s power, slowly being reclaimed by the sands and the tide. You’ll find the fragmented remains of a fishing vessel, scattered across Maryport North Beach, a ghost from that gale-force night in 1973. Don't expect towering superstructure here. Instead, you'll be poking around ribs of timber and twisted metal, often half-buried, sometimes completely exposed depending on the shifting sands. This is a site for the curious, for those who appreciate history and the slow creep of nature. We've seen shore crabs scuttling amongst the wreckage, and small blennies darting between the rusty plates. It’s a shallow, easy dive, or more accurately, a snorkel and explore, perfect for a calm day when the tide is low. Our top tip? Go at dead low tide; you’ll get the most out of what’s left of the Hard Lines. It’s a unique glimpse into the region’s maritime past, best experienced with a keen eye and a sense of wonder.
Typical HARD LINES Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for HARD LINES
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HARD LINES
Plan & book
Ways to dive Northumberland & Northeast, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Northumberland & NortheastPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Northumberland & Northeast.
Search stays in Northumberland & NortheastDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near HARD LINES
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.