F2 Barge - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The F2 Barge in Scapa Flow isn't about vibrant corals or colourful fish, it's about history and atmosphere. Descending onto this concrete beauty, you immediately feel the weight of its past. We love how the hull is encrusted with anemones, their tentacles swaying gently in the slight current, making the concrete feel strangely alive. You can swim into the open hold, a cavernous space where light filters down from the surface, illuminating schools of saithe that dart through the gloom. It’s a completely different kind of beauty, a stark, industrial grandeur. Our favourite part is exploring the various compartments, pushing through the dense kelp that often drapes over the edges like a curtain. Keep an eye out for conger eels peeking from their hidey-holes – they’re surprisingly common here. We'd suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents aren’t usually fierce, but a calmer experience lets you really soak it all in. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate the sombre majesty of a historical wreck, the kind of place that tells a story even without a word.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.841000, -3.188417
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 F2 Barge

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 F2 Barge

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