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HMS GOLDFINCH

The HMS Goldfinch, an H-class destroyer, sits at a depth of just 10 metres in Scapa Flow. It’s a great introduction to the area’s wreck diving, particularly if you're not keen on deeper stuff or want a warmer, brighter dive. We love that the Goldfinch is so accessible, letting you spend ages exploring without racking up serious deco. She ran aground in 1915, and the years have taken their toll, but the Goldfinch still holds her shape enough to be recognisable. We often find the bow and stern are the most intact sections, offering some cool swim-throughs if the visibility is good. Look for the boilers, they’re still quite prominent amidships. Crabs scuttle across the plates, and the darker recesses often hold conger eels, not shy about peeking out. The shallower depth means sunlight penetrates well, illuminating the jewel anemones that carpet parts of the wreck in reds and oranges. It’s not a drift dive, but Scapa can have a push, so check the tides, particularly around neaps for a more relaxed experience. This wreck suits divers who appreciate history and aren't looking for a pristine vessel, but a well-colonised wreck that's easy to explore.