Wreck of Solway Queen

Protected Area

Cloghfin Port

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 Solway Queen 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

We’ve spent our fair share of time shivering our way into drysuits on the Northumberland coast, and the Solway Queen is always a strong contender for a dive day. It’s not a deep dive, making it accessible for most, but the character of this wreck is what keeps us coming back. You’ll drop down onto a scattered remains of a paddle steamer, the stern section often the most intact, with ribs reaching up like skeletal fingers into the green North Sea light. The bow is a bit more broken up, but still holds plenty to poke around in, especially with a good torch. What we love about the Solway Queen is how well it’s integrated with the environment. It’s absolutely covered in plumose anemones, creating these soft, undulating white carpets, a striking contrast to the dark metal. We always find plenty of wrasse darting in and out of the plating, and if you’re patient, you might spot a ling tucked away in a crevice. It’s a superb dive for those who enjoy exploring history and finding life thriving where it shouldn’t. Visibility can be a typical North Sea affair, so aim for slack tide on a neap to get the best views.