HMS SALVAGE KING - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Salvage King, despite what the data might suggest, is not a dive. It's barely a snorkel, if we're honest. This is a shore entry, walk-in experience, literally right off the rocks at Scapa Flow. You wade into a couple of metres of water, and there she is: a tugboat, grounded in 1940. We love it for the sheer accessibility and the sense of history that hangs heavy in the air, even at ankle depth. What you'll find here is less a wreck dive and more an intertidal exploration. Her bow breaks the surface, crusted with barnacles and seaweed. Below the waterline, the stern is still remarkably intact, her propeller shaft visible and encrusted with anemones. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for an unusual perspective or divers wanting a break from the deeper stuff. You'll spend your time peering into her holds, now home to scuttling crabs and blennies, the light filtering through the shallow water making the rusted metal glow. Don't expect dramatic swim-throughs, but do expect a surprisingly intimate encounter with a piece of wartime history, right at your fingertips.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.649605, -3.051584
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 SALVAGE KING

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 SALVAGE KING

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