HMY IOLAIRE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMY Iolaire isn't about deep diving or huge wrecks, it’s about a moment in history, a stark reminder of tragedy, and surprisingly good diving for its shallow depth. Lying in just 11 metres, she’s completely broken up, more a debris field than a recognisable yacht, but that's precisely her charm. We love poking around the scattered plates and twisted metal, imagining the chaos of her sinking in 1919. Our favourite part is the engine block, still largely intact and bristling with life – velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the gauges, dogfish tucked into crevices. The visibility here can be excellent, especially on a calm day, letting you really appreciate the scale of the wreckage. It’s perfect for a long, relaxed dive, even for newer wreck divers, giving you plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny. Just watch for occasional boat traffic; it's a busy part of the Flow.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.188217, -6.349983
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 HMY IOLAIRE

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 HMY IOLAIRE

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