Wreck of Dora

Protected Area

Solway Firth

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 Dora 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 Dora isn't about tropical colours. It's about history, cold water, and the quiet satisfaction of a proper British wreck dive. We love that eerie feeling as the outline of the old trawler emerges from the green, silty water. Down on the seabed, around 30 metres, the Dora lies broken but still recognisable, her bones providing shelter for cod, wrasse, and sometimes even the grumpy-looking anglerfish. Exploring the Dora means navigating collapsed sections, peering into dark holds, and appreciating how time and the North Sea have reclaimed her. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop shaft usually offers a good look, and we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into crevices here. Visibility can swing wildly; aim for slack water on a neap tide for your best chance at decent conditions. We'd suggest this site for experienced divers comfortable with colder water and limited visibility, who appreciate the stories these old ships tell. It's a proper wreck, challenging but incredibly rewarding.