Wreck of Arran Castle

Protected Area

Salt Pans Bay

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 Arran Castle 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 Arran Castle is one of our absolute favourite wrecks in the Northeast, especially if you’re looking for a proper piece of history that’s still very much intact. She’s a trawler that sank way back in 1917, and you can still make out so much of her structure. The stern section is particularly impressive, with the prop and rudder still in place, often covered in dead man's fingers and anemones. We love dropping onto her in decent visibility; you can explore the engine room, swim through parts of the superstructure, and imagine the old girl in her working days. It’s not just about the history though. Shoals of coalfish often swirl around the mast, and we’ve found some surprisingly large lobsters tucked away in crevices. For divers who appreciate an accessible, coherent wreck rather than a debris field, the Arran Castle delivers every time. Just be mindful of the currents around here; slack water is always our pick for the most relaxed dive.