Mermaid

Protected Area

Outer Belfast Lough

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Mermaid 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 2m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

We love the Mermaid, not for its depth – it’s a true puddle at just 2m – but for its sheer character. This wooden wreck, sunk back in 1905, lies broken and scattered, a beautiful mess of timbers spread across a sandy seabed. It’s a proper low-tide dive, really, best timed for when the water is calm and the sun is high. We’d suggest a slow crawl around the site, poking into every crevice. You’ll find schools of juvenile pollack darting amongst the ribs, and crabs, often huge edible ones, scuttling for cover. Our favourite part? The way the light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the kelp-draped timbers. It feels less like a dive and more like an archaeological dig, a tangible piece of history you can reach out and touch. Visibility can swing wildly here; aim for a day after a spell of calm weather, and you’ll get the best of it. It’s perfect for new divers wanting to try a wreck, or for experienced divers just looking for a relaxed, atmospheric potter.