DUNA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Duna, a steamer lost in 1912, offers a classic Scapa Flow wreck dive. She sits upright at 32 metres, relatively intact for her age, with a real sense of history. We often drop down the shot line onto her stern, where the prop is usually visible, before heading amidships to explore the two large boilers and the triple-expansion engine. It’s a rewarding dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and the typical lower visibility of Scapa, revealing a ship now thoroughly colonised by plumose anemones, dead man's fingers, and plenty of fish sheltering in the hold. Just be mindful of the current that can pick up here, especially around slack water changes.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.735218, -2.911200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 DUNA

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 DUNA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde?
The provided data context details the DUNA dive site in United Kingdom, not the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde. Therefore, we do not have specific information regarding the maximum depth for Dunas in Cape Verde. For the DUNA wreck in Scapa Flow, the maximum depth is 32 meters.
What marine life, besides turtles, can divers typically observe at the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde?
Our current data context focuses on the DUNA wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, and does not include details about marine life, including turtles, for the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde. The DUNA wreck itself is described as a steam ship vessel. We recommend checking our wildlife database for general information on marine species.
Is the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde suitable for beginner scuba divers?
The provided data context describes the DUNA dive site in United Kingdom as having an 'intermediate' difficulty, but it does not provide information for the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde. Therefore, we cannot confirm its suitability for beginner scuba divers based on the available data. Always ensure you have the appropriate certification and experience for any dive site.
What is the best time of year to dive Dunas in Cape Verde for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data context specifically details the DUNA dive site in United Kingdom and does not include information about optimal diving seasons or marine encounters for the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde. For general advice on planning your dives, you might find our When to Dive section helpful. We recommend consulting local dive operators for specific seasonal insights in Cape Verde.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Dunas site in Cape Verde?
Our current data context provides details for the DUNA wreck in United Kingdom, which is classified as 'intermediate' difficulty, but it does not specify certification requirements for the Dunas site in Cape Verde. Dive site requirements can vary significantly by location and difficulty. Always confirm specific certification needs with local dive centers before planning your trip.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde?
The provided data context describes the DUNA dive site in United Kingdom, a wreck site, but does not include any information regarding current or visibility conditions for the Dunas dive site in Cape Verde. Conditions can vary greatly depending on location and time of year. We advise checking with local dive operators in Cape Verde for the most up-to-date conditions.