The Northumberland Coastline offers an abundance of dive sites to explore in Newton, Beadnell, Seahouses and the jewel in the crown - The Farne Islands.
Located one mile off the Northumberland coast, The Farne Islands are home to a 5,000 strong colony of cheeky grey seals.
Diving with responsible interaction techniques allows for amazing up close encounters. Although you'll dive with a no-touch ethos, the seals won't always follow the same rules! Expect whisker tickles and fin nibbles!
From shallow shore diving sites teeming with marine life down to deep, historical wrecks, every level of diver is spoilt rotten for diving in Northumberland.
The best time for scuba diving in Northumberland is from June to October, when seas are calmer and grey seal encounters peak around the Farne Islands. Water temperatures range from 10–16°C, requiring drysuits. Visibility is often best in late summer and early autumn. Winter diving is possible but weather and sea conditions can be challenging. Seasonal planning ensures the safest and most rewarding Northumberland diving experience.
The water temperatures sits around 4°C at the end of winter/beginning of spring and will reach about 14°C in the summer.
You'll be comfortable diving in a good quality wetsuit during the warmer months although Northumberland is best explored in drysuits.
Accessing Northumberland dive sites typically involves travelling to coastal towns such as Seahouses, the main departure point for Farne Islands dive trips. The nearest major airport is Newcastle, followed by a drive north to the coast. Local dive operators offer boat charters, guided wreck dives, and equipment rental. With easy access to wildlife-rich waters and historic wrecks, diving in Northumberland provides one of England’s top temperate diving experiences.
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: The Diving Centre Ltd, The Fifth Point Diving Centre. Disclaimer
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