wreck

Log This Dive

GIRL ISLA

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.