32m
    Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Troup, Pennan and Lion's Heads

    FRAM (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY)

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Troup, Pennan and Lion's Heads

    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) - FRAM (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 32m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Diving the Fram’s bow section is always a bit of a mystery, which is half the fun in Scapa Flow. You drop down, often through water that’s got that classic Scapa green tint, and suddenly this massive, angular structure starts to resolve out of the gloom. It sits upright, mostly intact, a real testament to its build. We love swimming along the deck, feeling the cool water pressing in, and exploring the holds. They're surprisingly open, easy to penetrate for a quick peek, and often home to a flurry of small fish darting into the shadows. Our favourite spot has to be the very tip of the bow, where the chain locker is still visible. It’s absolutely encrusted with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle current. The sheer scale of it hits you, especially when you think about the ship’s history. You'll often find ling lurking in the deeper recesses, and sometimes a curious grey seal will pop by for a quick inspection. It's a proper historical dive, best for those who appreciate the story behind the metal and aren’t afraid of a bit of ambient light diving. Watch your trim; there’s a fair amount of silt.

    Typical FRAM (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile

    15m30mSafety Stop0m32m max~20 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (32m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

    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.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:3417:1810h 44m daylightGolden hour 16:24

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for FRAM (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY)

    FRAM (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for FRAM (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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