DALEWOOD (POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Dalewood, what we *think* is the Dalewood anyway, is a proper Scapa Flow mystery. It’s a trawler, around 35 metres long, sitting upright at 49 metres. We love it because it’s not one of the big German fleet wrecks, it’s a working boat, sunk in 1974 after running aground. That relatively recent sinking means it still feels like a ship, not just a pile of plates. Dropping down, the bow points east, and the bridge superstructure is still largely intact. You can push your head into the wheelhouse, imagining the chaos of its final moments. There’s a lovely, eerie feeling down there, especially when the ambient light from the surface barely penetrates the gloom. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels, they’ve made a good home in the engine room, and sometimes you’ll see the glint of their eyes in your torch beam. The Dalewood is a challenging dive due to its depth and the typically cooler Scapa Flow waters. It’s perfect for experienced wreck divers who appreciate the character of a post-war trawler and don't mind the dark. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where the fishing gear is still visible, giving a real sense of its former life. You’ll feel the history in your hands down there.

Location: Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 58.659233, -3.437967
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 49m

Marine Protected Area: North Caithness Cliffs

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to DALEWOOD (POSSIBLY)

The Diving Cellar

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

Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) - Whales & Dolphins
grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) - Reef Fish
dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) - Sharks & Rays
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - Reef Fish
poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) - Reef Fish
sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
Common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) - Whales & Dolphins
Split (Scomber scombrus) - Reef Fish
Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) - Reef Fish
lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) - Reef Fish
white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) - Whales & Dolphins
Common sea star (Asterias rubens) - Starfish
Soldier (Chelidonichthys cuculus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for DALEWOOD (POSSIBLY)

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