HMT BEECH - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMT Beech sits shallow, just 13 metres down, making it perfect for a relaxed dive in Scapa Flow. We love how accessible it is, even for newer wreck divers, yet still offers plenty to explore. This ex-minesweeper, bombed in 1941, is largely intact. You can swim through the holds, feel the cold steel of the engine room as you pass, and imagine the history clinging to every rivet. Our favourite part is the stern, where you’ll often find large wrasse darting amongst the twisted metal, and the occasional inquisitive seal pup might even pop its head in for a look. Visibility here can be excellent on a calm day, letting the natural light filter down and illuminate the wreck in an ethereal green glow. It’s a great site for photographers keen to capture the atmospheric beauty of a wartime relic, and for anyone who appreciates a wreck that tells a story without needing to go to extreme depths.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.610565, -3.533033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Marine Protected Area: North Caithness Cliffs

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 HMT BEECH

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 HMT BEECH

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