BON AMI - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Alright, Scapa Flow. It’s mostly about the German High Seas Fleet, right? But sometimes you want something a bit different, a bit more… intimate. That’s where the *Bon Ami* comes in. We love this site for its sheer accessibility and how it feels like a proper, working fishing vessel that just decided to take a nap on the seabed. She went down in a gale in '85, striking rocks near Loch Inchard, and you can really feel that history when you’re down there. The wreck itself, at only 20 metres long, is completely broken up, scattered across the seafloor. It's less a wreck to penetrate and more an archaeological site to drift over, poking around the debris. Think twisted metal plates, sections of hull, and the kind of industrial clutter you'd expect from a trawler. Visibility here can be excellent, especially on a calm day, letting you really appreciate the scale of the destruction. Despite its shallow depth, the *Bon Ami* is surprisingly full of life. It’s not about pelagics here; it's about the little things – the critters that have made this metal graveyard their home. We often find plump dogfish tucked into crevices, their sandpaper skin surprisingly rough under a gloved hand if you're gentle. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs, often some vibrant orange or purple numbers, inching their way across the barnacle-encrusted plates. The site feels much older than it is, completely overgrown with anemones and sponges. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to get close-up macro shots or for divers who appreciate the quiet dignity of a wreck reclaiming its place in the ecosystem. It's a proper Scapa warm-up or cool-down dive, a pleasant contrast to the gargantuan battleships nearby.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.456818, -5.074625
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BON AMI

Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The MFV Bon Ami was a 20-metre fishing vessel that met its end in a dramatic battle with the elements on December 20, 1985. Caught in a fierce gale, the vessel was driven onto the rocks at the mouth of Loch Inchard on the rugged northwest coast of Scotland. The power of the sea was overwhelming, and the Bon Ami was quickly broken apart by the relentless waves, its working life cut short in a matter of moments.

Today, the remains of the Bon Ami lie in the shallows, with a charted depth of 0 metres, meaning parts of the wreck are often visible at low tide. This is not a deep, penetrating dive, but rather a shallow exploration or even a snorkel in a scenic and wild location. Divers can explore the scattered wreckage, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the Scottish coastline. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by fishermen and offers a glimpse into a modern maritime tragedy.

Marine Protected Area: Oldshoremore and Sandwood

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 BON AMI

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 BON AMI

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