HMT BEECH
Protected Area
North Caithness Cliffs
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMT BEECH offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical HMT BEECH Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to HMT BEECH
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMT BEECH
HMT BEECH Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMT BEECH, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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