DURHAM CASTLE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.691383, -3.903083
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Marine Protected Area: Moray Firth

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 DURHAM CASTLE

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 DURHAM CASTLE

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 typical diving depth in the River Wear near Durham Castle for archaeological exploration?
The provided data describes the Durham Castle wreck located in Scapa Flow, Orkney, not the River Wear. For this specific wreck, the typical diving depth is 18m. Information regarding diving depths in the River Wear near Durham Castle is not available in the provided context.
What kind of historical artifacts or underwater features can divers expect to see when exploring the River Wear by Durham Castle?
The data details the Durham Castle wreck in Scapa Flow, which is a military vessel sunk on January 27, 1940. Divers exploring this site can expect to see the remains of a vessel built in 1904, featuring four boilers and twin quadruple expansion engines. The wreck measures 61m x 4.6m, classified as a dangerous wreck, but no information is provided for the River Wear.
How challenging is it to dive in the River Wear adjacent to Durham Castle, considering factors like visibility and currents?
The data specifies that diving the Durham Castle wreck in Scapa Flow is of intermediate difficulty. However, the provided information does not include details on the challenging factors like visibility and currents specifically for the River Wear adjacent to Durham Castle. Visibility and current information for the Scapa Flow wreck are also not detailed in the context.
When is the best time of year to dive in the River Wear around Durham Castle for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not contain information regarding the best time of year for diving in the River Wear around Durham Castle, nor does it specify optimal conditions or visibility for that location. For general advice on planning your dives, you might find resources on when to dive helpful, but specific details for this site are absent.
What specific diving certifications are required or recommended for undertaking dives in the River Wear near Durham Castle?
The data indicates that the Durham Castle wreck in Scapa Flow is an intermediate difficulty dive. While this suggests a need for appropriate certification for such a dive, specific certification requirements or recommendations for diving in the River Wear near Durham Castle are not provided in the context.
What are the typical water conditions and current strengths experienced by divers in the River Wear close to Durham Castle?
The provided data does not include any information about typical water conditions or current strengths experienced by divers in the River Wear close to Durham Castle. The context focuses solely on the Durham Castle wreck in Scapa Flow, for which these details are also not specified.