EMERALD WINGS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Emerald Wings, one of Scapa Flow's shallower blockships, always gives us a good feeling. It's an easy dive, sitting at a maximum depth of 5 metres, making it perfect for a relaxed hour or two. We love taking new drysuit divers here, letting them get comfortable with the kit while still exploring some proper history. You'll find her stern poking out of the water at low tide, a stark reminder of Scapa's wartime past. Underwater, the hull's ribs are draped in kelp, creating a swaying green forest that catches the light. We often spot wrasse darting between the plates, and the occasional curious seal will pop its head around a corner. It’s an interesting contrast to the deeper wrecks; here, the light penetrates right to the seabed, revealing details you might miss in the gloom elsewhere. Our tip: go at high tide on a sunny day. The visibility is usually best, and the light filtering through the kelp is just something else. It feels less like a wreck and more like an artificial reef that’s been there forever.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.881386, -2.899730
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 EMERALD WINGS

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 EMERALD WINGS

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