Wreck of Bathori

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 Bathori 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

Diving the Bathori is a proper adventure, a real taste of North Sea wreck diving. We're talking about a freighter that went down in 1916, broken in two, with her bow section lying upside down and the stern upright. It’s got that classic U-boat alley feel, dark and mysterious, but the visibility here can genuinely surprise you on a good day, opening up views of the sheer scale of her. Our favourite part has to be finning through the stern, exploring the engine room and cargo holds. It’s a proper swim-through, just be mindful of your buoyancy and watch for snag points. The wreck itself is covered in dead man’s fingers and plumose anemones, creating these soft, colourful tapestries that sway with the surge. You'll often spot massive wolf fish eyeing you from dark crevices, and the sheer number of crabs scuttling across the metal plates always makes us smile. It’s a dive that rewards exploration and good planning, best suited for experienced cold-water wreckies who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current.