wreck

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CHEINCHA

Cheincha is a proper Orkney experience, not just a dive. We love this site because it’s a brilliant shallow wreck, perfect for when the weather’s a bit rough or you’re doing multiple dives and want something chilled. You’ll find her resting on Seal Skerry, north of the main flow, in a paltry two metres of water. That’s right, *two metres*. It feels like stepping into a cold, clear rock pool, only with a decent-sized fishing boat thrown in. This isn't a deep, dark adventure; it’s an intimate exploration. You’re practically snorkelling over the Cheincha, watching the light play on her skeletal remains. The stern and propeller are usually the most intact sections, often visible from the surface on a calm day. Crabs scuttle through the smashed wheelhouse, and various wrasse dart in and out of the plating. We’ve spent ages just drifting, picking out details and watching the kelp sway around the hull. It’s a photographer’s dream for wide-angle shots with natural light. If you’re into history you can really get a sense of her final moments, grounding on the skerry. It's a superb second dive, or a great way to introduce newer divers to wrecks without any depth anxiety.