GIRL KATHLEEN
Protected Area
Helmsdale Coast
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) - GIRL KATHLEEN offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Girl Kathleen, a fishing vessel grounded in 1982, isn't deep. In fact, she’s practically a shoreline stroll. We love how accessible she is, sticking out of the water like a defiant old lady. You can literally walk up to her at low tide, which makes her a brilliant first taste of Scapa Flow's wreck history without the commitment of a full dive. Even though she's shallow, the Girl Kathleen is a proper wreck, not just some scattered bits. Her superstructure is visible, and as you snorkel or shallow-dive around her hull, you’ll find it thick with kelp and small anemones. Little blennies dart between the rust, and often, we spot plump crabs scuttling over the plates. Our favourite detail is the way the light plays through the gaps in the metal, especially on a sunny day. She's a perfect spot for photographers wanting to capture that unique Scapa light, or for newer divers to get comfortable around wreckage before heading to the deeper blockships.
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for GIRL KATHLEEN
GIRL KATHLEEN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for GIRL KATHLEEN, 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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