GRATITUDE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Gratitude. Even the name has a certain pull, doesn't it? This isn't one of Scapa Flow’s blockbuster German fleet wrecks, and that’s precisely why we love it. Instead, you get a fishing vessel, the kind of honest working boat that plied these waters for decades before she ran ashore in 1958. Lying at a comfortable 20 metres, she’s a beautiful introductory wreck, excellent for divers who want to explore without deep deco obligations. We've spent many a dive finning along her length, watching the light filter through the kelp forest that dances above her decks. Her stern is a jumble of twisted metal, but the bow holds together well, with the anchor chain still visible. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of life: nudibranchs in vibrant colours, inquisitive wrasse peeking from every nook, and often, a shy conger eel tucked deep inside a hold. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, a chance to appreciate the smaller details and the way the sea reclaims its own. Head here when the main wrecks are busy, or if you just want a more intimate experience with a piece of maritime history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.926582, -5.614517
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 GRATITUDE

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 GRATITUDE

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