HMS VULTURE II - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Vulture II isn't the glamour wreck of Scapa Flow, but we love it for its quiet charm and approachable depth. This trawler, built in 1899 and sunk after a collision in 1918, sits upright at 27 metres, easily within recreational limits. You’re not dropping into a cathedral of steel like some of the larger battleships, but that’s precisely its appeal; it’s a detailed, compact exploration. We always make a point of looking for the bow gun, a single 6-pounder that speaks volumes about its wartime role. Inside, you can still poke around the engine room, a surprisingly intact space that gives a real sense of the ship’s working life. The wreck is colonised by a rich tapestry of anemones and dead man’s fingers, with wrasse darting between the plates. It’s a great site for photographers who want to focus on macro details against a historical backdrop. Expect good visibility on an incoming tide, often better than some of the deeper sites. It’s a perfect dive for those looking for a relaxed, historically rich Scapa experience without pushing the limits.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.487167, -4.672083
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Marine Protected Area: Eilean Hoan

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 VULTURE II

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 VULTURE II

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