CLAN MACDONALD - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow holds a lot of history, and the Clan MacDonald, despite its slightly confusing past – it’s often referred to as the Akenside in official records – is one of those wrecks that just captures your imagination. At a maximum depth of two metres, this is less a dive and more a snorkel, but don't let that deter you. We love just how accessible it is, especially on a calm day when the sun can actually penetrate the water. You’ll find the wreck broken up, scattered across the seabed, but the boiler is definitely our favourite part; it’s a big, impressive piece of machinery now completely overgrown with kelp and various anemones. There's a surprising amount to see here, even in the shallows. On a good day, with decent light, we’ve spotted plenty of blennies darting in and out of the metalwork, and often a decent sized crab or two scuttling across the plates. It’s not the dramatic, deep Scapa dive many come for, but it’s a brilliant way to experience a bit of the Flow’s history without needing full kit. We'd suggest going at high tide to get the best visibility, and definitely bring a good torch to peer into any nooks. It’s an ideal spot for anyone keen on wreck photography in natural light, or just for a quick dip to see some history up close.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.604717, -4.030554
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Whiteness Head

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 CLAN MACDONALD

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 CLAN MACDONALD

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