ZAFIRIS

Protected Area

Mull of Galloway

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ZAFIRIS 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 · max 8m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Zafiris, she’s a proper coastal wreck, and we love her for that. Sat upright in just 8 metres of water, this carrier vessel ran aground in the fog back in ’65 and has been slowly deconstructing ever since. What you find now is a fantastic scatter of ribs and plating, all within easy reach. It’s not about penetration here, it’s about observing how the sea takes back a ship. For us, the Zafiris is at her best on a sunny day with minimal chop. We’ve had dives where the sunlight filters through the kelp, illuminating schools of saithe weaving in and out of the rusted metal. You’ll find plenty of inquisitive wrasse, and we often spot butterfish tucked into the nooks and crannies. Look closely at the hull sections, as they’re often plastered with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. It’s an ideal site for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to play with ambient light. Just be mindful of that current on an incoming tide; it can pick up surprisingly quickly.