Wreck of Riverside

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 Riverside 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 Riverside, sitting off the Northumberland coast, is one of those dives we just keep coming back to. It’s not a deep dive, making it accessible for newer wreck enthusiasts, but don’t mistake accessibility for lack of interest. We love how the wreck lies largely intact, particularly the bow, which still points defiantly skyward. You can fin around the general structure, getting a real sense of its size, and the stern section holds some interesting penetration points if you’re properly trained and equipped. The real magic happens on the decks and in the holds. Schools of juvenile coalfish swirl through the exposed superstructure, and we’ve spent many a dive just watching them dance around the rusted metalwork. Look closely, and you’ll spot colourful jewel anemones clinging to every surface, particularly vibrant purples and oranges, making the darker recesses glow. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to truly appreciate the detail, as the currents here can pick up. It's a fantastic training ground for wreck specialities or simply a rewarding potter for anyone who appreciates a bit of history beneath the waves.