HAMNAVOE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Hamnavoe in Scapa Flow isn't one of the big German warships, but it absolutely punches above its weight. This 22-metre fishing vessel, sunk in 1981 after a fire, lies upright at 34 metres. We love it because it’s a proper wreck dive without the overwhelming scale of the battleships. Descending, you can often feel the slight chill first, then the wreck gradually appears through the green light. The wheelhouse is still largely intact, a real treat for penetration, with plenty of entry and exit points. Inside, you can still make out instrumentation, and outside, the decks are now covered in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying in the gentle surge. Look for squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and small schools of coalfish darting through the superstructure. It’s an accessible wreck, especially good for those looking to develop their wreck diving skills before tackling Scapa’s giants. Our tip: go on a calm day; the visibility improves dramatically.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.638744, -4.928267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

Marine Protected Area: Cape Wrath

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 HAMNAVOE

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 HAMNAVOE

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