VESTRA
Protected Area
Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - VESTRA offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
The *Vestra* is one of those wrecks that just delivers. We find her at 38 metres, a steamship that went down with a coal cargo in 1917. She’s definitely for the experienced diver, someone comfortable with deeper dives and the sometimes-finicky conditions of the Scottish East Coast. Dropping down onto the *Vestra*, you’re met with a proper wreck, not just a pile of plates. The stern is our favourite part; the propeller lies off to one side, completely detached, a massive bronze disc in the gloom. The triple-expansion engine is still there, impressive in its scale, and you can poke around the single boiler. The cargo holds are full of coal, just as she sank, a dark, textural contrast to the encrusted metal. Visibility here can be a lottery, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, it’s magical. Dead man's fingers cover the bulkheads, and we’ve often seen wolf fish peeking out from dark corners, alongside ling and conger eels. It’s a real historical dive, a chance to connect with a moment in time, with enough structure and marine life to make every visit interesting. We always suggest timing your dive for slack water to avoid strong currents.
Typical VESTRA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (38m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
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 VESTRA
Dive shops near VESTRA
Sunderland Scuba Centre
The Diving Centre Ltd
Aquanorth
Scuba-Life
Aqua Purists
Newcastle University Sub Aqua Society
Reviews for VESTRA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for VESTRA
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