Wreck of Lapwing

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 Lapwing 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 Lapwing, sitting off the Northumberland coast, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. We love her moody character, especially when a bit of surge rolls through, making her feel even more like a proper old ship. She's broken, yes, but those scattered ribs and plates form such interesting swim-throughs and hidey-holes. Expect to find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, their heads poking out with that wary stare, and plenty of edible crabs scuttling across the seabed. For us, the joy here is in the exploration, piecing together the ghost of the ship from the scattered remains. Our favourite way to dive the Lapwing is on a rising tide, just as the current starts to pick up a little, bringing in some clearer water and more activity around the wreck. It’s not a deep dive, which makes it perfect for longer bottom times, really letting you take in the atmosphere. The visibility can be hit or miss, as with much of the UK, but even on a greener day, the wreck still holds a certain magic. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims its own, rather than chasing big pelagics.