GOODWILL MERCHANT
Protected Area
St Ninian's Tombolo
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) - GOODWILL MERCHANT offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Goodwill Merchant is a proper Scapa Flow wreck, and we love diving it. It’s not one of the big German fleet, but this motor vessel, sunk in '76, offers a fantastic rummage around at just 16m. We often find the visibility here surprisingly good, especially on a settled day. You drop onto the bow, usually, and the whole thing is still very much a ship. Her stern is higher, rising about 4-5 metres off the seabed, making for a dramatic profile against the green-blue water. There's plenty of penetration if you're comfortable, particularly into the engine room which is surprisingly open and feels very atmospheric. Look for the large propeller, still in place and usually buzzing with small crabs and gobies. It’s an easy dive, and a great way to warm up for deeper Scapa wrecks, or just to enjoy a well-preserved wreck without the decompression worries. We always see plenty of ling, often tucked into shadowy corners, and the anemones coating the deck superstructure are vibrant in your torch beam.
Typical GOODWILL MERCHANT Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for GOODWILL MERCHANT
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for GOODWILL MERCHANT
GOODWILL MERCHANT Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for GOODWILL MERCHANT, 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
Plan & book
Ways to dive Scapa Flow, Orkney, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Scapa Flow, OrkneyPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Scapa Flow, Orkney.
Search stays in Scapa Flow, OrkneyDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near GOODWILL MERCHANT
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.