INVERLANE (BOW SECTION) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Inverlane's bow section is one of our favourites in Scapa Flow, especially for a shallower dive. It’s sitting upright in about 10 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time, which we always appreciate. This isn't a delicate wreck; it’s a big, robust piece of a tanker, deliberately sunk as a blockship, and that brute strength is part of its charm. You can swim through a few open sections, feeling the cool water swirl around the bulkheads. We often find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, their heads peering out, curious but usually staying put. The metalwork is completely encrusted with plumose anemones, creating these soft, feathery white gardens that sway gently with the surge. Look closely for nudibranchs, especially in late spring, munching away on the anemones. It’s a site that suits divers who enjoy a relaxed pace, those who like to poke around and really appreciate how nature reclaims these man-made structures. It's an easy dive, great for knocking off some rust or just enjoying a calm afternoon under the waves.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.926086, -3.313054
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 INVERLANE (BOW SECTION)

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 INVERLANE (BOW SECTION)

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