BUDRIE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Budrie isn't about deep dives or pelagics. It’s about history you can touch, plain and simple. Sunk as a blockship in 1915, this steamship lies shallow, barely 8m deep, making it accessible to just about anyone comfortable diving in cooler water. We love the way the light filters through the kelp, dappling the deck plating and the skeletal remains of her superstructure. You’ll find walls of plumose anemones clinging to the metal, and inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the shadows. Our favourite time to dive the Budrie is on a calm, sunny day, ideally at slack water around low tide for the best visibility. The stern is particularly photogenic, with the rudder and propeller still largely intact, now completely encrusted. There’s a quietness here, a real sense of being part of Scapa Flow’s story, a feeling you don't always get on the deeper, grander wrecks. It’s a gentle exploration, perfect for photographers or those looking to connect with the past without the pressures of depth or current.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.926914, -3.311556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - BUDRIE

Year Sunk
1915
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
2,130 GRT

The SS Budrie was a steamship that earned its place in history not through a long career of trade, but by making the ultimate sacrifice. During the height of World War I, the vast naval anchorage of Scapa Flow was a critical asset for the British Royal Navy, and protecting it from German U-boat incursions was a top priority. To block the smaller, more vulnerable eastern channels, the Admiralty requisitioned a number of old merchant ships to be deliberately sunk as 'blockships'.

On October 3, 1915, the SS Budrie fulfilled its final duty. The old steamer was carefully positioned in Kirk Sound and scuttled, settling onto the shallow seabed to create an impenetrable barrier. Decades later, during WWII, the 'Churchill Barriers' were built, creating permanent causeways that incorporated the now-aging blockships. Today, the Budrie lies in just 8 meters of water, making it a fantastic and easily accessible dive. Its hull is broken but the boilers and machinery are still recognizable, offering a fascinating glimpse into naval history and providing a thriving habitat for the marine life of the Orkney Islands.

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 BUDRIE

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 BUDRIE

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