CHEINCHA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.399536, -2.385047
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Northwall

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 CHEINCHA

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 CHEINCHA

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