HMS NARBOROUGH - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Narborough for us is pure Scapa Flow magic. At a mere 8 metres, this M-class destroyer, lost in a savage 1918 storm, is an incredible shallow rummage. We love how accessible she is, even when the wind howls above. Her bow points west, crumpled and buckled from a century of waves, while the stern lies broken into bigger pieces. You can easily spend an hour tracing her outline, spotting the triple boilers now home to curious wrasse, and imagining the turbines that once powered her. It's a site that really comes alive on a sunny day. Light penetrates all the way to the seabed, illuminating the rust-coloured plates and the forest of kelp that dances around her. Look for nudibranchs tucked into crevices and the occasional inquisitive seal. Our favourite part? Squeezing into the small gaps that open up between the hull sections, discovering little pockets of history that the sea has perfectly preserved. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for extended bottom times and photographers keen to capture that distinctive Scapa atmosphere.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.770430, -2.931596
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 NARBOROUGH

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 NARBOROUGH

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