MAIORESE - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Maiorese* is a proper North Sea wreck, sitting upright and largely intact at 33 metres. We love that it’s got a bit of everything: the stern section, with its enormous prop, is a good starting point, usually blanketed in plumose anemones. Swim forward and the ship's structure becomes more broken, allowing for some interesting swim-throughs into the engine room. You’ll find cod and ling patrolling the deeper sections, and conger eels often peek out from the darker corners. Visibility can be a real North Sea mixed bag, but on a good day, the sheer scale of the *Maiorese* is impressive. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, naturally, giving you plenty of time to explore the cargo holds, which are now home to crabs and lobsters. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits. Each dive reveals another detail, another resident. This one really suits divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and keen to spend some quality bottom time poking around a piece of history. Just remember your drysuit; it’s never tropical up here.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.300255, -4.709468
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Marine Protected Area: Holyhead Mountain

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to MAIORESE

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 are the typical depths for diving at the MAIORESE dive site?
The MAIORESE dive site, a fascinating wreck, typically offers diving depths of around 33 meters. This depth allows divers to explore the remains of the steam ship vessel, which sank on May 23, 1913. For more details on this specific site, visit the MAIORESE dive site page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at MAIORESE?
The primary underwater feature at MAIORESE is the wreck of a steam ship vessel, built in 1875 and measuring 82.9m x 10.1m. Divers can explore its structure, including two boilers and a compound expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
Is the MAIORESE dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
The MAIORESE dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level, making it more suitable for divers with some experience rather than beginners. Its depth of 33 meters and status as a wreck dive contribute to this classification. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience for intermediate wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to go diving at MAIORESE for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the MAIORESE dive site. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section for broader insights into regional conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at MAIORESE?
Given the MAIORESE dive site's intermediate difficulty and depth of 33 meters, divers should possess certifications that qualify them for such conditions, particularly for wreck diving. It is always recommended to have training appropriate for the depth and type of dive. Consult your dive center for specific recommendations regarding certifications for intermediate wreck dives.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the MAIORESE dive site?
The provided data for the MAIORESE dive site does not include specific information regarding typical water conditions such as currents or visibility. Divers planning a trip to this Northumberland & Northeast wreck should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.