HMS Bullen - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Fiddle Reef. Now there’s a spot we talk about a lot, especially when we’re trying to convince someone the PNW isn’t just about cold water and green things. This place, nestled in a particularly feisty stretch of coastline, has a current that can really give you a push, so we always plan our dives around slack tide. Go too early, and you’re flying by, seeing nothing but blur. Hit it right, and the place transforms. What makes Fiddle Reef special for us? It’s the sheer density of life clinging to every surface. Think walls draped in white plumose anemones, so thick they look like freshly fallen snow, with colourful nudibranchs crawling over them like jewels. We’ve spent whole safety stops watching schools of juvenile rockfish flit in and out of kelp strands, while the occasional seal pops by to check you out. You’ll definitely see spiny dogfish cruising the deeper edges, and we even spotted a spotted ratfish once, which was a real treat. It’s a site for those who appreciate the smaller, intricate details of a temperate reef, rather than chasing pelagics. A strong sense of buoyancy control is a definite plus here.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.699580, -4.202328
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Strathy Point

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 HMS Bullen

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 HMS Bullen

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