HAROLD

Protected Area

Holyhead Mountain

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HAROLD 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 · max 14m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *Harold* isn't a deep dive, sitting at just 14 metres, which makes it remarkably accessible for a wreck of its age. Sunk back in 1908, this steamship has had over a century for the North Sea to reclaim it, and it really shows. What we love about the *Harold* is the way the wreck has become a true artificial reef, completely carpeted in plumose anemones – they really bloom when there’s a bit of current running through. You'll find the wreck fairly broken up now, but the stern section and engine room are still quite distinct. We often spot conger eels tucked into the darker crevices, and the schools of saithe that hang around are usually pretty bold. Visibility here can be a bit variable, as it often is off the Northumberland coast, so we always suggest picking a day with settled weather and slack tide for the best experience. It's an excellent dive for those who enjoy exploring the history beneath the waves without needing advanced qualifications.