GUIDING LIGHT
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.
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
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.
Reviews for GUIDING LIGHT
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)
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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