VERBENA

Protected Area

West Coast

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - VERBENA 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 36m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Verbena, a small fishing vessel that went down in 1970, is one of our favourites in the Northumberland area, especially for those who appreciate wrecks with a bit of character. At 15.2 metres, it’s not huge, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere and the way it sits on the seabed. She rests upright, mostly intact, which is always a bonus. We’ve found her to be quite moody depending on the light, sometimes bathed in a greenish glow that really highlights the barnacle growth and the way the sea has started to reclaim her. We love exploring the wheelhouse, often finding small crabs scuttling in the shadows. Look closely at the deck plating, you’ll see some decent growth of plumose anemones, especially if you catch her on a day with good visibility. It’s a site that really comes alive when the current is gentle, letting you properly take in the details without fighting the water. We’d suggest a slack water dive to get the most out of it. Definitely one for experienced divers comfortable at 36 metres, and those who enjoy a bit of history with their dive.