HMS Exmoor

Protected Area

Corton Cliffs

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HMS Exmoor 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 HMS Exmoor, off the Northumberland coast, is one of those wrecks that just hits different. We’re talking about a proper piece of history here, a Hunt-class destroyer from 1940 that met its end during wartime. Dropping down onto her, you really get a sense of scale; she’s mostly intact, lying on her side, and it’s a proper expedition exploring her decks. We particularly love the bow section, still pointing resolutely towards the surface, and the stern where the rudder is often visible, encased in a shimmering curtain of small pollock. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the North Sea, but when it’s good, it’s really good, allowing you to appreciate the sheer size of the wreck. Even on murkier days, the ambiance is fantastic – you just glide from one encrusted section to another, navigating by feel and the faint glow from your torch. Look out for the resident wrasse, often darting between the plates, and the occasional ling peeking from a dark crevice. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and don’t mind a bit of a current sometimes. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, obviously, but even with a bit of movement, the sheer character of the Exmoor shines through.