HMY VERONA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMY Verona, a former steam yacht requisitioned for naval service, is a cracker of a dive if you're into Scapa Flow's deeper, less-frequented wrecks. She rests on her port side at 38 metres, a handsome outline against the gloom. We love the way the twin masts still reach out, draped in kelp like ancient rigging. Finning along her 50-metre length, you can really picture her as a luxury yacht, even with the years of growth on her hull. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones carpeting the deck; they wave gently in the faint current, a surprisingly delicate sight in this otherwise rugged environment. Inside, the quadruple expansion engine is a massive, intricate beast, well worth a peek if your gas and deco permit. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft leads away, hinting at the power she once possessed. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts comfortable with deeper profiles and the generally low light of the Flow.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.860832, -3.643200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Tarbat Ness

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 VERONA

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 VERONA

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