ELTON
Protected Area
Copinsay
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) - ELTON offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Elton is an easy, shallow dive, especially good for a second dive or if you're new to wreck diving. She’s a blockship, deliberately scuttled in 1914, lying in just 3 metres of water, so you get plenty of bottom time. The stern is the most intact section, with her propeller still recognisable and some interesting machinery scattered nearby. You'll often find wrasse poking around the exposed girders, and often some decent-sized crabs tucked away in the darker spots. It’s a great site for photographers keen on exploring the details of a century-old wreck, or for anyone wanting a relaxed dip into Scapa Flow's history without the deeper commitments.
Typical ELTON 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ELTON
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ELTON
ELTON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ELTON, 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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