G 38
Protected Area
Hoy
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) - G 38 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The G 38, a destroyer scuttled in 1919, lies in just 13 metres of water, making it a brilliant entry point into Scapa Flow's wreck diving. We've always found it an easy dive, settled on its starboard side, with plenty of intact structure to explore. You can still see the torpedo tubes, a real highlight, and the stern section holds together well. Schools of juvenile pollock often hang around the deeper parts of the hull, and we've spotted a few inquisitive wrasse poking through the superstructure. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking to capture that classic Scapa wreck atmosphere without needing deep-diving credentials.
Typical G 38 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to G 38
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for G 38
G 38 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for G 38, 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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