ESPIRANS
Protected Area
Masonshaugh
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) - ESPIRANS offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Espirans, a fishing vessel, sits in Scapa Flow’s shallow expanse, a dark silhouette against the often moody Orkney sky. We love this site for its sheer accessibility, a mere four-metre depth making it a fantastic option for longer dives or even a gentle introduction to wreck diving. The story of her demise is palpable here: a fire, an abandonment, then a slow sink at anchor. You can really feel the history. What you'll find is a surprisingly intact wreck, considering her fiery end. The bow points west, and you can still discern the wheelhouse, now more a skeleton of its former self, providing intriguing swim-throughs if you're careful. The Espirans is less about grand structure and more about the delicate ecosystems that have claimed her. Anemones bloom like alien flowers, nudibranchs graze on the metalwork, and we often spot butterfish darting in and out of the crevices. It’s an ideal spot for macro enthusiasts or divers looking for a relaxed exploration of a wreck with a real narrative. We'd suggest going at high slack tide for the best visibility, though even on a murkier day, the Espirans holds a quiet charm.
Typical ESPIRANS 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.
Reviews for ESPIRANS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ESPIRANS
ESPIRANS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ESPIRANS, 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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