BRAER
Protected Area
Pool of Virkie
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BRAER offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Braer isn’t one of Scapa Flow’s deep, intact giants. Instead, this modern tanker, driven ashore in 1993, now lies in pieces in just seven metres of water, spread out across the seabed. Think of it less as a single wreck and more as a debris field, scattered with intriguing metalwork. We’ve found a surprising amount to poke around in, from twisted plates to substantial chunks of engine. It's a fantastic spot for newer divers getting a feel for wrecks, or for anyone wanting an easy, long bottom time. Look closely among the wreckage for the resident wrasse and crabs that have made this metal playground their home.
Typical BRAER Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for BRAER
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BRAER
BRAER Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BRAER, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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