KELVINDALE - Northumberland & Northeast

The Kelvindale, a substantial steamship resting at 14 metres, offers a genuinely moody North Sea dive. We love the history here, feeling that connection to 1917 as you descend onto a wreck that truly tells a story. The sheer scale is impressive, her 100-metre length means you’ll want to pick a section and really explore it, rather than try to cover it all in one dive. Visibility can swing wildly, but on a good day, the low light filtering through the green water gives the whole site a wonderfully atmospheric glow. Look for the two boilers, they’re still very prominent, and the triple expansion engine machinery is a fantastic tangle of metal to navigate around. Shoals of coalfish often hang in the gloom, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large lobsters tucked into crevices. This isn't a site for delicate corals, obviously, but the hard corals and anemones that have colonised the superstructure are vibrant and full of character. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, giving up more details each time.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.519386, -3.112561
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: Ravenmeols Hills

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to KELVINDALE

Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast

Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Kelvindale dive site?
The Kelvindale dive site has a maximum depth of 14 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certified divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Kelvindale site?
The Kelvindale is a fascinating steam ship vessel, built in 1898 and sunk on February 11, 1917. Divers can explore its impressive wreck features, including two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 345NHP, and a single shaft, spread across its 101.8m x 13.7m dimensions. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like the Kelvindale often become artificial reefs teeming with local marine life.
How challenging is the Kelvindale wreck dive for scuba divers?
The Kelvindale wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should approach it with appropriate training and caution. Divers should ensure they have the necessary experience and certifications for this type of dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the Kelvindale wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Kelvindale wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Kelvindale wreck?
Given the Kelvindale is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification, along with specialized wreck diving training. Always check with local dive operators for specific certification requirements and recommendations for this site.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at the Kelvindale dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current or visibility conditions at the Kelvindale dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers or recent dive reports for up-to-date conditions.