Wreck of James Bryce

Protected Area

Auchencairn and Orchardton Bays

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 James Bryce 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 James Bryce is a cold water classic for a reason. Dropping down onto her, you immediately feel the history – this isn't some scattered debris, it’s a proper ship with a story, even if the sea has worked hard to reclaim her. We love nosing around the engine room, which is often still quite intact and offers some surprisingly good penetration for those with the right training and gear. On a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering through the green water, the wreck comes alive with schools of coalfish darting between the beams and those plump wrasse poking their heads out from every crevice. Our favourite spot is usually around the bow, where the structure is a little more broken, creating perfect hideouts for lobsters and enormous edible crabs. This site is definitely one for the experienced wreck diver who appreciates a solid, explorable structure rather than just a colourful reef. Be ready for typical UK visibility, meaning sometimes you're diving by touch and feel, but that just adds to the adventure. Dive this one on a slack tide, that’s our top tip; the currents here can be a serious nuisance otherwise.