DURHAM CASTLE
Protected Area
Moray Firth
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - DURHAM CASTLE offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Durham Castle in Scapa Flow isn't one of those wrecks that gets all the glory, but we think it's one of the best for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed dive. Lying upright in just 18 metres, this former mail steamer turned naval auxiliary offers a fantastic introduction to the scale of Scapa. We love finning along her intact decks, imagining her original grandeur before the mine took her in 1940. You can swim through the gaping holds, now home to a surprising amount of life – we’ve often seen big ballan wrasse darting between the frames and plumose anemones waving like tiny white flags from every surface. The light penetration at this depth is usually excellent, casting an ethereal glow through the superstructure, making for some great photo opportunities even on a cloudy day. It’s a gentle dive, generally with minimal current, allowing plenty of time to explore the intact bow and stern. This wreck is perfect for shaking off the rust or getting comfortable with overhead environments without feeling overwhelmed.
Typical DURHAM CASTLE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for DURHAM CASTLE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for DURHAM CASTLE
DURHAM CASTLE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for DURHAM CASTLE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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