IRIS
Protected Area
Oldshoremore and Sandwood
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - IRIS offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Iris* sits in shallow water, just 5 metres deep, making it an easy, relaxed dive in Scapa Flow. This isn't one of the grand German battleships, but rather a fishing vessel that ran aground back in '91, and her smaller size, at just 15 metres long, means you can explore the whole thing without feeling rushed. We often find the wreck draped in kelp, providing plenty of nooks for small crabs and blennies to hide in. It’s a good spot for a quick dip or a second dive after something deeper, especially if you want to practice your wreck penetration skills on a smaller scale.
Typical IRIS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for IRIS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for IRIS
IRIS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for IRIS, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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