HMS ST OLAVES - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS St Olaves in Scapa Flow isn't just any old tug; she’s a wonderfully accessible piece of history. Lying upright at a comfortable 14 metres, she makes for a fantastic second dive or a real treat for those new to wreck diving. We love slipping down the shotline and seeing her come into view, her silhouette softened by decades on the seabed. Her triple-expansion engine is still very much intact, a monumental piece of machinery that dominates the stern section. You can peer into the cylinders, imagining the steam pushing pistons, a real tangible link to her working life. The two massive boilers forward of the engine room are also impressive, often shrouded in a shimmering curtain of small pollock. Look closely, and you’ll spot wrasse darting in and out of the plating and the occasional inquisitive conger eel peeking from a darkened recess. We’d suggest exploring the bow first, then making your way aft along the deck, taking time to really absorb the scale of the engine. There’s a quiet beauty to her, a sense of sturdy resilience even in her broken state. This is a genuinely engaging dive for anyone who appreciates the character of a working vessel.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.649605, -3.034920
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

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 ST OLAVES

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 ST OLAVES

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