St Mary's Island - West Bay

St Mary's Island West Bay is a beginner-friendly shore dive on the Northumberland coast near Whitley Bay, offering easy access to a shallow rocky reef environment at depths to 8 meters. The volcanic rock platforms create pools, gullies, and ledges that support a surprising variety of marine life for such a northerly location. Divers can discover crabs, blennies, sea scorpions, anemones, and small wrasse among the kelp and rock formations. The sheltered west side of the island provides some protection from North Sea swells. Popular with local dive clubs and training groups, St Mary's Island is an accessible introduction to North Sea shore diving with the distinctive lighthouse as a scenic backdrop.