SYLPHAEN

Protected Area

Isle of Man Biosphere Reserve Reserve

Why dive here

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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Sylphaen, a steamship that ran aground in a fierce gale back in 1894, offers a surprisingly accessible dive for those keen on wreck exploration in the Northeast. We’ve always appreciated wrecks that don’t demand extreme depths, and here, you’re looking at a site where the remains are quite spread out across the seabed. You’ll find sections of hull plating and engine components, all well-colonized by an interesting mix of local invertebrates – think crabs scuttling among the metal, and various anemones clinging to the darker nooks. It's not a site for big pelagics, but for divers who enjoy picking through history and observing the smaller, resilient creatures that adapt to these artificial reefs, the Sylphaen provides a rewarding hour underwater.