Wreck of Major

Protected Area

Isle of Whithorn 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 Major 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 Major, off the Northumberland coast, is one of those dives that feels distinctly British. It’s no tropical reef, but we love it for its rugged charm and the sheer history of the place. Dropping down, you’ll find the wreck well broken up, scattered across the seabed, but still very recognisable as the remains of a substantial vessel. What really gets us here are the resident wolf fish – not always easy to spot, but keep an eye in the deeper crevices and under plates of twisted metal. Their grumpy faces are always a highlight. Visibility can be a proper challenge, often more about feel than sight, but when it clears, the wreck becomes a fantastic playground. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience, as currents can pick up and make exploration tricky. It’s an ideal site for those who appreciate a bit of a treasure hunt, piecing together the ship’s story from its scattered remains, and for anyone who gets a kick out of spotting some genuinely impressive cold-water critters. Expect a chill in the water, even in summer, so drysuits are definitely the order of the day.