Wreck of Ulysses

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 Ulysses 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 Ulysses, just off the Northumberland coast, is one of our absolute favourite North Sea dives when the conditions play ball. This isn't your Caribbean bathtub wreck, not by a long shot. Here, you're descending into genuinely historical steel, a vessel that sank in 1883, now completely claimed by the cool, green embrace of the North Sea. When the visibility stretches to a decent 8-10 metres, it's an incredible experience. The wreck lies broken, spread across the seabed, giving it a real archaeological feel rather than a single, upright structure. We love poking around the debris field, where you often find huge edible crabs scuttling amongst the plates and ribs. Conger eels are common residents too, peering out from dark crevices, and the sheer number of plumose anemones, especially on the more sheltered sections, is genuinely impressive, creating soft, white carpets over the metalwork. This dive suits those who appreciate the history and challenge of temperate wreck diving. It’s not a deep dive, but the currents can be lively, and you’ll want a good torch to really appreciate the colour and life that thrives in the gloom. Our top tip? Aim for a slack water dive on a calm day; it makes all the difference to enjoying the atmosphere of this old girl.