Wreck of St Michael

Protected Area

Grennan 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 St Michael 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 St Michael off Northumberland offers a proper adventure, the kind where you really earn your dive. It’s not for the faint-hearted, often exposed to some serious swell, but that just adds to the character. We love how atmospheric it is down there, particularly when the visibility pushes past 5 metres and you can actually make out the sheer scale of the wreck, draped in dead man's fingers. You'll spend your time exploring the broken sections of the ship, particularly the engine room, which is still surprisingly intact for a wreck of this age. Look out for the resident wolf fish, often tucked away in the darker corners, and the shoals of coalfish that dart through the structure, making the whole place feel alive. Our favourite is spotting the smaller critters, like the squat lobsters hiding amongst the rusted plating. It’s a dive that rewards patience and a good torch, perfect for those who appreciate history and a bit of a challenge. Bring a sturdy drysuit, the North Sea has a bite to it, even in summer.