GOBERNADOR BORIES - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Gobernador Bories, or the ‘Bories’ as we call her, offers a different kind of Scapa Flow dive. Not a German battleship, but a merchant steamship, scuttled early in World War I to block the eastern entrance. She sits upright in just 12 metres of water, making her perfect for longer dives and even a good second dive after a deeper wreck. What we love about the Bories is the intact stern. The rudder is huge, and the propeller blades, though worn, still give you a real sense of her scale. Penetration isn't really an option here; the deck has largely collapsed, but that just creates a fantastic, open environment for exploring. Sunlight filters through the gaps, illuminating the skeletal structure. You’ll find a surprising amount of life given the shallower depth. We've seen conger eels poking out from beneath plates, butterfish darting through the rusted metalwork, and often a few inquisitive dogfish nosing around. The visibility can vary, but even on a slightly murkier day, the sheer size of the wreck at this depth makes for an atmospheric dive. We'd suggest going at slack water, though the current here is rarely a major problem. It’s a great site for photographers keen on ambient light wreck shots and anyone who appreciates a well-preserved piece of maritime history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.923350, -3.311250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 GOBERNADOR BORIES

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 GOBERNADOR BORIES

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