VILLE DE LLANES - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Ville de Llanes* wreck is a surprisingly rewarding shore dive, especially if you catch it right. This isn't a deep plunge, topping out at a meter at high tide, which makes it perfect for a leisurely explore, even on a second tank. What we love about it is how accessible it is, sitting just off the beach. You gear up, wade in, and within minutes you’re finning over the remains of a sailing vessel that met its end in 1890. Most of the ship went to pieces, but enough remains to give you a real sense of its history. We often find ourselves just ghosting over the scattered timbers, imagining the gale that brought her down. Keep an eye out for the bolts and ribs poking from the sand. Ling often lurk in the crevices, and we’ve spotted plenty of crabs scuttling across the barnacle-encrusted metalwork. It’s a great spot for macro life if you bring a camera, with nudibranchs and anemones clinging to every surface. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day; the light penetration makes the timbers really stand out against the sand, and the visibility is usually at its best. It's a fantastic site for new wreck divers or anyone who just fancies a chilled-out mooch.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.494690, -3.141890

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

1m

Marine Protected Area: Ravenmeols Hills