Wreck of Archibald

Protected Area

Scare Rocks

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Wreck of Archibald 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 Wreck of Archibald isn’t just a dive; it’s a journey back to a different kind of seafaring. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks that tell a story, and the Archibald, even in its broken state, shouts history. Descending, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the green-blue water, creating an almost ethereal glow around the skeletal remains. We love picking out the details – the huge boiler, now home to clouds of juvenile pollack, or the twisted plating that shelters plump crabs scuttling into the shadows. This isn't a deep dive, making it accessible for those comfortable with UK conditions, but it’s far from a gentle drift. Expect Northumberland’s typical currents; planning around slack water is essential, or you’ll find yourself battling to explore the stern section. Our favourite part has to be the bow, where the structure is more intact, offering crevices for curious divers to peer into. Ling and conger eels are frequent residents, often peeking out from behind rust-covered beams. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting the atmosphere of this historical vessel sink in.