SONIA
Protected Area
Llanbadrig - Dinas Gynfor
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - SONIA offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Sonia offers a decent wreck dive for those comfortable with deeper UK waters. Resting at 55m, this steamship, originally the Goldfinch, went down in 1930 and now hosts a variety of interesting cold-water life. We often find wolfish poking out from nooks and crannies, and dead man's fingers cover much of the structure. The single boiler is a prominent feature, and you can still make out the lines of the 36-metre vessel, giving a good sense of its former life. It’s a solid pick for experienced divers looking to log some deeper bottom time on a historical piece.
Typical SONIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 55m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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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