BURRAY NESS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Burray Ness isn’t your typical Scapa Flow wreck dive, and that’s precisely why we love it. Instead of the deep German Fleet, here you’re exploring the remains of an old motor vessel, broken up and scattered across a shallow seabed at a maximum of 10 metres. It’s an exposed site, so pick your weather window – a flat calm day with good sun makes all the difference, transforming the silty bottom into something genuinely atmospheric. What you get is a dive that feels more like an archaeological dig. Hull plates lie twisted, ribs poke out of the sand, and the engine block is still largely intact, a hulking mass colonised by anemones and plumose anemones. Visibility can be hit or miss; on a good day, you’ll have 10 metres, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the debris field. Look for the resident wrasse darting between the metalwork and the occasional crab scuttling for cover. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate exploration, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the textures of history and nature entwined, or for those just looking for a relaxed bimble away from the deeper, darker wrecks. Don’t expect soaring superstructures, but do expect a surprisingly engaging dive.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.366306, -3.109878
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - BURRAY NESS

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled

Located in the legendary waters of Scapa Flow, the Burray Ness wreck is not a casualty of war in the traditional sense, but a key part of the area's strategic defense. Following the sinking of the battleship HMS Royal Oak by a German U-boat in 1939, Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the eastern approaches to the naval base permanently sealed. This wreck is one of several old merchant ships that were intentionally scuttled to form the foundations of the famous Churchill Barriers, causeways built to block any future submarine incursions.

Resting in just 10 meters of water, this blockship is an ideal dive for all experience levels, often enjoyed as a relaxed second dive or for training purposes. Its shallow depth ensures great natural light and long bottom times. The vessel is heavily broken up, but its scattered plates, ribs, and machinery create a fascinating underwater landscape to explore. Now a thriving artificial reef, the wreckage is covered in colorful anemones and kelp, providing a haven for crustaceans, wrasse, and other curious marine life. It's an accessible and tangible piece of Scapa Flow's WWII history.

Marine Protected Area: Long Berry Coast

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 BURRAY NESS

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 BURRAY NESS

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