GIRL ISLA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Girl Isla. A wee fishing boat, sunk in '91, and a Scapa dive that often gets overlooked for her bigger sisters. But we've always had a soft spot for her. Dropping down, you're not seeing some monumental warship, but a charmingly intact 9-meter wreck, lying upright in about 25 meters. The wheelhouse is still there, much of the rigging too, and we love how approachable she feels. This isn't a deep penetration dive, more a leisurely circuit, letting you peer into what would have been the crew's quarters, imagining a day's catch. The real joy here is the life that's made the Girl Isla home. You'll find plumose anemones, soft as velvet, coating the superstructure. Dead man's fingers sprout from every available surface, and we've often seen velvet crabs scuttling across the deck. For photographers, the light here can be lovely on a clear day, filtering through the Scapa green, illuminating the wreck's character. She’s a perfect second dive after something bigger, or a fantastic introduction to Scapa’s wrecks for those building experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.107895, -2.901623
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Muckle and Little Green Holm

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 GIRL ISLA

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 GIRL ISLA

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