INTREPID II - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Intrepid II is a proper Orkney wreck, a fishing vessel that caught fire and sank back in 2005. At 12 metres long, it’s not huge, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. We usually drop onto the stern, which sits upright at 40 metres, the bow rearing slightly. The hold is open, and you can duck inside, checking out the burnt timbers – a real sense of its fiery end still lingers. What we love about Intrepid II is how quickly life has moved in. The wheelhouse is gone, but the engine is still very much there, encrusted with anemones. Dead man's fingers sprout from every surface, and we’ve often seen conger eels poking their heads from pipes. It’s a site that suits divers comfortable with depth, offering a good, solid technical dive in a relatively protected part of Scapa Flow. We'd suggest going on a slack tide, otherwise the current can make navigating the hold a bit trickier.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.286633, -3.199300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: East 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 INTREPID 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 INTREPID 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the Diepolder II dive site?
Unfortunately, the provided data context pertains to the INTREPID II dive site, not Diepolder II. Therefore, specific information regarding the maximum depth for diving at Diepolder II is not available in the current dataset. The INTREPID II wreck, for example, is found at a maximum depth of 40m.
What kind of underwater formations or marine life can divers expect to see at Diepolder II?
The provided data describes the INTREPID II, a 12m x 4.4m wooden fishing vessel that sank in 2005. However, there is no information available in the current context regarding the underwater formations or marine life specifically at the Diepolder II dive site. Divers interested in marine life can explore our wildlife database for general information.
How difficult is the Diepolder II dive site, and what level of experience is recommended?
The provided information details the INTREPID II dive site as having an 'intermediate' difficulty level. However, specific details regarding the difficulty and recommended experience level for the Diepolder II dive site are not available in the current data context. We always recommend divers match their experience to the site's conditions.
What are the required diving certifications to explore Diepolder II?
The provided data context focuses on the INTREPID II wreck and does not specify any required diving certifications for Diepolder II. Divers should always ensure they hold appropriate certifications for the depth and type of diving planned. For advanced wreck dives like INTREPID II, advanced open water or wreck specialty certifications are typically recommended.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Diepolder II dive site?
Information regarding typical currents and water conditions for the Diepolder II dive site is not available in the provided data. The context describes the INTREPID II wreck, a non-dangerous wreck in Scapa Flow, but does not include environmental conditions. Always check local conditions and forecasts before any dive.
When is the best time of year to dive Diepolder II, considering access and conditions?
The provided data context describes the INTREPID II dive site, but does not offer information on the best time of year to dive Diepolder II. Specific details regarding access and conditions for Diepolder II are not included in this dataset. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can visit our When to Dive section.