ESPIRE
Protected Area
Coquet Island
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ESPIRE offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
The Espire is a proper little dive, and we love it for its simplicity. We’re talking about a 9-metre fishing vessel, sunk back in ‘95 after taking on water. It sits upright, largely intact, at a decent 45 metres. You’ll find the wheelhouse still there, surprisingly complete, and that’s always our first stop. We’d suggest a good torch; down here, even on a bright day, it’s dim. The Espire is a dark wreck, so dark you can almost feel the weight of the water pressing in. It’s completely colonised by plumose anemones, creating these dense, white carpets that sway with the gentle surge. It makes for a striking contrast against the dark hull. Look closer, and you'll spot scorpionfish tucked into crevices and ling often hovering in the shadows. This is a dive for experienced deep divers who appreciate the quiet solitude of a wreck and aren't chasing big pelagics. It’s about the atmosphere, the cold, and the sheer grit of this little boat on the seabed. It’s a good option for a second, deeper dive if you’re already in the area and have the gas for it.
Typical ESPIRE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 45m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to ESPIRE
Dive shops near ESPIRE
Northumbria Scuba Divers
Aquanorth
Scuba-Life
Newcastle University Sub Aqua Society
Aqua Purists
The Diving Centre Ltd
Reviews for ESPIRE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ESPIRE
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