OPAL
Protected Area
West of Copeland
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - OPAL offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Opal, a steamship that met its end in 1916, sits upright at 40 metres. Down here, it’s a proper expedition, a serious dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and the typically chillier North Sea temperatures. The wreck itself is reasonably intact, with the bow and stern sections offering the most to explore. We’ve found wolf fish tucked into crevices near the boilers and schools of coalfish often swirl above the main deck. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for divers who appreciate maritime history and the slow reclamation of steel by the ocean.
Typical OPAL Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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