HMS Lynx (possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Hostile, off Tabarka, gives us a proper glimpse into wartime history. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks with a story, and this G-class destroyer, scuttled in 1943, tells a good one. Dropping down, you start to make out the stern, then the whole length of her, surprisingly intact in places. It’s not a deep dive, making it accessible for most wreck enthusiasts, and the visibility is usually decent enough to appreciate the scale. What we love about Hostile is the way marine life has completely taken over. We've seen schools of blotched picarel and pandora swirling over the deck guns, and fat pollack hiding in the superstructure. Look closely and you’ll find red mullet nosing through the debris, with hake often lurking in the darker corners. There are sections where you can fin through open compartments, just enough penetration to feel like an explorer without anything too technical. It’s a compelling dive for those who appreciate history intertwined with vibrant sea life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.959960, -3.241690
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Berriedale Cliffs

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 Lynx (possibly)

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 Lynx (possibly)

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