HERBIE

Protected Area

West of Walney

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HERBIE 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 18m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Herbie is a brilliant dive, no question. We love how quickly this trimaran has become a proper home for marine life since it was scuttled in 2018. Dropping down onto the main hull at 18 metres, you’re immediately struck by the sheer volume of fish. Pollock and coalfish swirl around the mast, often so thick you have to push through them. It’s a relatively intact wreck, so there’s plenty to explore. Swim through the main cabin, which is now a haven for crabs and lobsters, or poke around the three hulls, keeping an eye out for nudibranchs creeping along the metalwork. The exposed nature of Herbie means it gets a good flow of nutrients, which probably explains why the anenomes and hydroids are thriving. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide for the best visibility; the current can pick up, making it a bit of a washing machine. It’s a solid dive for anyone comfortable with UK conditions, offering that perfect blend of history and burgeoning life. A properly satisfying dive, this one.