HMS OPAL - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Opal sits in Scapa Flow, a stark reminder of the wild North Sea. We love this site for its sheer accessibility; at just 8 metres deep, it's a perfect introduction to wreck diving, even for those newer to colder waters. She went down in a violent gale, and you can almost feel the storm still, the way the sand shifts around her. The Opal lies broken in two main sections, her bows and stern separated. Heading down, you'll pick out the distinct shape of her stern first, then the midships, where the triple expansion engines are surprisingly intact. Look for the prop shaft stretching out, a dark line into the gloom. The wreck itself has become home to a bustling community of critters – we always find conger eels tucked into the tight spaces and colourful dahlia anemones plastered across the metal. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, often around 5-10 metres, so bringing a good torch is key to really appreciating the details. It’s a great dive to combine with a shore excursion around the Orkney mainland.

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 OPAL

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 OPAL

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