HASTINGS COUNTY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Forget the big battleships and cruisers for a moment. Hastings County might only be a shallow dive, but it’s one of our favourite Scapa sites for sheer character. Lying in just 5 metres, it’s not about penetration or vast scale, but rather a proper rummage through a broken steamship. You’ll find the bow section completely separated, almost a dive site in itself, and then the main hull spread across the seabed. We love finning slowly over the triple expansion engine, the huge pistons still visible, and then spotting the three boilers. The light here, even on a murky day, is usually pretty good because of the depth. It illuminates the encrusting life – dead man's fingers coral, anenomes, and big balls of snakelocks anemones. Look closely in the nooks and crannies; we've often spotted scorpionfish tucked away, and the occasional inquisitive seal pup will zip past. It’s an ideal second dive, or perfect for those who want a long, relaxed exploration without the usual chill of Scapa’s deeper wrecks. Plus, you can often spend a good hour down here without feeling the cold too much.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.024166, -2.573333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Auskerry

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 HASTINGS COUNTY

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 HASTINGS COUNTY

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