HAMNAVOE
Protected Area
Cape Wrath
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) - HAMNAVOE offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical HAMNAVOE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (34m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
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 HAMNAVOE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HAMNAVOE
HAMNAVOE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HAMNAVOE, 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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