HEATHER VALLEY

Protected Area

Kilkeel Steps

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HEATHER VALLEY 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 12m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Heather Valley, for us, is a perfect example of how a relatively small wreck can punch well above its weight. Sunk in 1984, this 11.9m fishing vessel sits upright at a gentle 12m, making it wonderfully accessible for newer divers or those looking for an easy second dive. We love that you can take your time here, really getting to know the details. The wreck itself is a tangle of steel, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs inching their way along the hull, and often, a shy crab peeking out from a crevice. Sometimes a curious seal will even come to say hello, which always makes for a memorable dive. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft and rudder are still clearly visible, usually buzzing with small schooling fish. It’s a genuinely relaxing dive, best enjoyed on a calm day with good light – the colours really pop then.