KATHLEEN

Protected Area

Mull of Galloway

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - KATHLEEN 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 Kathleen, sitting pretty in Northumberland, is a real character. We love a wreck with a story, and this fishing vessel, sunk back in '74, definitely delivers. She’s not massive, around 10 metres, but that’s her charm; you can really get to know her in a single dive. What you'll find is a sturdy hull, still largely intact, acting like a ready-made apartment block for local marine life. Drop down and you're immediately in amongst it. Crabs are always scuttling around, often tucked into crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large lobsters making themselves at home in the nooks and crannies. The metalwork is a canvas for an impressive variety of anemones and dead man’s fingers, their colours really popping against the dark steel. Our favourite part is peeking into the wheelhouse area, where the light plays off the rust and you can almost feel the history. It’s a comfortable dive, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of wreck penetration without anything too demanding. Keep an eye out for curious wrasse; they often come right up to your mask.