FAITHFUL FRIEND II - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Faithful Friend II, a fishing vessel sunk in 2008, sits upright at a modest 14 metres. We love this wreck for its accessibility and the way marine life has utterly taken over since she settled. You’re not fighting depth here, which means more time to really poke around. Head for the wheelhouse, it’s still largely intact and home to a resident family of wrasse. Keep an eye out for curious common seals; they often make an appearance, gliding past like ghosts. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop is still visible, encrusted with anemones and dead man's fingers. You'll find plenty of squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and the beams of your torch will illuminate scuttling crabs. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed dive without the Scapa Flow currents and depths usually associated with the German High Seas Fleet. We'd suggest going at slack water, though the currents here are rarely strong enough to cause much trouble. Visibility can vary, but even on a murky day, the wreck provides enough structure to be enjoyable.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.187000, -6.206666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 FAITHFUL FRIEND II

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 FAITHFUL FRIEND II

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