GUIDING LIGHT - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.708885, -3.649850
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Findhorn Bay

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 GUIDING LIGHT

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 GUIDING LIGHT

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