Wreck of Barbara

Protected Area

Mersehead

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 Barbara 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 Barbara, off the Northumberland coast, is one of those sites that just gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a proper dive, a bit of a challenge, but so rewarding. Dropping onto her bow, the first thing you notice is how intact she still feels, even after all these years. Her forecastle rises from the seabed, often shrouded in a hazy green light, a real atmospheric entry. We’ve spent many dives here, meticulously picking through the debris field, exploring the hold, and pushing into the engine room. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, revealing new details each time. Look closely for the plumose anemones clinging to the darker sections, their delicate tentacles swaying with the surge. Conger eels are always lurking, peering out from beneath twisted metal plates, and sometimes you’ll catch a glimpse of an anglerfish camouflaged against the rust. The stern, in particular, is a great spot to find wrasse and butterfish darting in and out of the wreckage. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy a bit of penetration work, but always within safe limits, of course. For us, it’s a standout for its character and the sheer density of life that has claimed it.