MARIE CLAIRE

Protected Area

Mull Of Galloway & Scare Rocks

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - MARIE CLAIRE 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 21m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *Marie Claire* isn’t going to win any size competitions, but for a smaller wreck, she packs a punch. Sunk in 1981, this 8.2-metre yacht sits upright and largely intact at 21 metres, a neat little package on the seabed. We love how the light plays off her, even on a cloudy day, creating these dancing shadows in the interior. You can fin right through the main cabin, which is a surprisingly airy swim-through, just watch for the occasional snagging line. What really makes the *Marie Claire* shine for us is the resident life. Lobsters eye you from under ledges, and those metallic blue velvet crabs scuttle across the decking, totally unfazed. Look closely and you’ll spot a surprising number of nudibranchs clinging to the superstructure, particularly on the mast. It's a proper little microcosm. This site is brilliant for photographers wanting to practice composition on a small wreck, or for anyone who enjoys a relaxed potter rather than a deep, demanding dive. We’d suggest going at slack tide; the visibility really clears up then, letting you appreciate the details.