ARNISDALE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Arnisdale isn’t your classic Scapa Flow behemoth. Instead of a German warship, we’re talking about a fishing vessel that went aground in 1994, breaking up in the shallows near Rysa Little. It’s a distributed wreck, meaning you’ll find sections of hull, engine parts, and twisted metal spread across the seabed, starting in depths you could almost snorkel. We love Arnisdale for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a brilliant shallow dive for shaking off the rust or extending your bottom time without deep deco. Second, the way the wreck is scattered creates a fantastic artificial reef. You’ll drift over sections of plated steel, finding wrasse picking through the nooks, and a surprising amount of anemones clinging on. Our favourite part is navigating through the debris field, imagining the force that ripped her apart, while keeping an eye out for curious dogfish that often patrol the area. It's not a grand penetration, but a fascinating exploration of a modern wreck that’s rapidly being reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.579605, -3.751474
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ARNISDALE

Year Sunk
1994
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

A relatively modern loss, the fishing vessel Arnisdale met its end in the historic waters of Scapa Flow in April 1994. The vessel ran aground and was subsequently broken apart by the sea. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued before the ship was lost. The wreck itself lies at the surface, with a depth listed as 0 metres, meaning its remains are scattered in the intertidal zone.

For divers and snorkelers, the Arnisdale represents a very accessible and unusual site. Rather than a deep, intact vessel, it is a field of debris distributed across the shallow seabed. Exploring the remains offers a different kind of challenge, involving spotting recognisable sections of the vessel amidst the kelp. Its shallow nature makes it a perfect site for a relaxed snorkel or a very shallow introductory dive, providing a tangible connection to a more recent piece of Orkney's maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Sandside Bay

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to ARNISDALE

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARNISDALE

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories