55m
    Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Findhorn Bay

    GUIDING LIGHT

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Findhorn Bay

    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) - GUIDING LIGHT offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 55m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Guiding Light in Scapa Flow isn't just another wreck; for us, it's a real slice of Orkney's working past, sitting upright and largely intact. Dropping down to 55 meters, you're immediately struck by its presence. This isn't one of the grand German battleships, but an honest-to-goodness fishing vessel, and that's what we love about it. You can follow the lines of the trawler, peer into the wheelhouse, and imagine the harsh conditions of North Sea fishing. The mast still stands, reaching towards shallower depths, often shrouded in a thick coat of anemones – a truly beautiful sight when the light catches it right. Around the stern, we’ve often found substantial ling and conger eels tucked into nooks and crannies, alongside inquisitive wrasse darting between the rusty plates. It feels like a proper dive, a bit of a commitment due to the depth, but so rewarding. Our favourite tip for this one is to aim for a slack tide in the early morning; the visibility can be excellent, and the atmosphere, with just a hint of ambient light penetrating, is something special. This is a standout for divers who appreciate history, enjoy deeper dives, and prefer exploring a characterful wreck over just ticking off marine life.

    Typical GUIDING LIGHT Dive Profile

    15m30m45m60mSafety Stop0m55m max~15 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Maximum depth 55m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

    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.

    Today06:4017:2410h 44m daylightGolden hour 16:30

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for GUIDING LIGHT

    GUIDING LIGHT Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for GUIDING LIGHT, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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

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