INVADER - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Invader isn’t a deep dive, sitting at just 8 metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. We love this little wreck for its surprising character, especially considering its small size. She's a fishing vessel, holed after hitting something submerged back in '94, and deliberately beached to stop her from sinking completely. What you get now is a charming, largely intact wreck that’s been thoroughly colonised by the local sea life. Head for the wheelhouse; it’s still very much there, giving you a real sense of the boat. We've seen some impressive crabs tucked into the nooks and crannies around the stern, and often, schools of juvenile saithe mill about the superstructure. Given its shallow depth, this is a perfect second dive or a fantastic spot for newer wreck divers to get comfortable. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the natural light filtering through makes for some lovely photographic opportunities. Plus, it’s Scapa Flow – the history above and below the surface just adds to the atmosphere.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.739600, -2.919928
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 INVADER

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 INVADER

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