HMS OCEANA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS *Oceana* isn't the biggest wreck in Scapa, but we find her absolutely charming. She’s an old tug, built in 1889, only 42.7m long, and she sits upright in just 12m. This is one of our favourite dives for a relaxed afternoon. You can feel the history as you fin over her deck, the metal plates thick with rust, draped in dead man's fingers. What we love most here is the accessibility. You can spend a good hour just circumnavigating her, poking into the holds, and even finning through the superstructure if you’re careful. Look for the triple-expansion engine, it's remarkably intact and a real treat to see. Crabs scuttle in the shadows, and we often spot blennies peeking from crevices. She's a perfect dive for newer wreck enthusiasts, or when the weather's a bit frisky and you want something sheltered. The shallow depth means plenty of light, even on an overcast day, and you get a long bottom time to really soak it all in. We’d suggest going at slack tide for the easiest exploration.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.207170, -2.744667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Calf of Eday

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 OCEANA

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 OCEANA

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