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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the HMS Narborough wreck site?
The HMS Narborough wreck site is found at a typical depth of 8 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers.
What kind of wreckage and marine life can divers expect to see when exploring HMS Narborough?
Divers exploring the HMS Narborough can expect to see the remains of an M Class destroyer vessel, built in 1916. The wreck, measuring 82.6m x 8.2m, features components like three boilers, S turbines of 25000NP, and twin shafts. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How challenging is the HMS Narborough dive site, considering its location and potential conditions?
The HMS Narborough dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty. While the wreck itself is non-dangerous, its location in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, suggests potential for challenging conditions, as evidenced by the violent gale and snow storm that caused its sinking. Divers should be prepared for varying weather and underwater environments.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS Narborough for optimal visibility and calmer conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the HMS Narborough for optimal visibility or calmer conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications or experience levels are recommended for diving the HMS Narborough?
Given its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, the HMS Narborough is recommended for divers with appropriate experience and certifications for such conditions. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and potentially colder water environments typical of the United Kingdom.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility like at the HMS Narborough dive site?
The available data for the HMS Narborough dive site does not include specific details on typical underwater currents or visibility. Conditions can vary greatly depending on weather and tides in Scapa Flow. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and visibility before planning their dive.