GOLDEN STRAND - Scapa Flow, Orkney

You want to know our favourite non-wreck dive in Scapa Flow? It’s the Golden Strand. Yes, it’s a wreck, but honestly, it feels more like a really fantastic shore dive that just happens to have a bit of boat to explore. This fishing vessel ran aground in 1989, and what’s left is scattered across a shallow, rocky seabed that’s packed with life. At a maximum depth of one metre, this is pure snorkelling territory, or a fantastic, super-long shallow dive if you’re doing a try-dive or just want to potter about with a camera for ages. We love coming here on a sunny afternoon; the light plays through the kelp, making everything sparkle. You’ll find the remains of the hull and superstructure, all broken up and spread amongst the rocks. It’s been totally colonised by crabs, blennies darting between the crevices, and we’ve even spotted small octopus tucked away. It’s a completely different vibe to the deeper, darker wrecks Scapa is famous for, and honestly, a brilliant way to spend an hour or two surfacing for air and swapping stories with your buddy. We’d suggest going at high slack tide for the best visibility.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.671410, -1.911683
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs Coast

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 GOLDEN STRAND

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 GOLDEN STRAND

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