GRAYFISH - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The trawler *Grayfish* is one of Scapa Flow's lesser-dived wrecks, often overlooked for the big German fleet, but we think that’s a mistake. Sunk in 1973, she sits upright in about 25 metres, and the visibility here can be surprisingly good, especially on a settled day. What we love about *Grayfish* is her intactness. You can still see the trawl gallows, the winch, and the wheelhouse structure. Swimming through the hold, you’ll often find conger eels tucked into corners, their thick bodies camouflaged against the rust. Keep an eye out for inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the plating and the sheer number of squat lobsters clinging to every surface. It’s a proper wreck, one where you get a real sense of its working life before it went down. This site is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed dive on a solid, explorable wreck, away from the bigger crowds.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.032820, -1.201924
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Mousa

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 GRAYFISH

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 GRAYFISH

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