DROMARA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Forget depth, Dromara is all about atmosphere and history, right on the waterline. We love a good shallow dive, and this wreck, broken on the shore, delivers a truly unique experience. It’s barely submerged, sometimes even exposed at low tide, making it perfect for snorkelers or new divers wanting to get up close to a piece of Scapa Flow’s story without the pressure of depth. You’ll spend your time peering into the triple expansion engine, its gears and pistons still surprisingly intact. The single boiler is a major feature too, a rusty monolith in the shallows. The stern section is the most interesting part, with the propeller shaft leading back towards the propeller itself, often draped in kelp. Crabs scuttle in the shadows, and small blennies dart between the rivet holes. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, bright day; the sunlight filtering through the ripples really brings the metalwork to life, making the rust glow a deep orange. Just be mindful of the currents, even in the shallows they can be surprisingly persistent. It’s not about seeing huge sharks here, it’s about touching history, feeling the cold steel, and imagining the final moments of that journey from Londonderry.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.422690, -3.079052
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 DROMARA

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 DROMARA

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