ISLAND LASS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The ISLAND LASS isn't for the faint of heart, or for those new to deep wreck diving, but for experienced explorers, it’s a proper Scapa Flow adventure. Lying upright at 60 meters, this old mailboat offers a stark contrast to the German High Seas Fleet, feeling more like a discovery than a well-trodden path. We love descending into the gloom, knowing she's out there, waiting. The wreck itself is remarkably intact, a testament to the cold, dark waters. You can fin along her deck, spotting the davits still in place, imagining the small boats that once hung there. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers, into the engine room or the cargo holds, where the darkness is absolute and the silt hangs heavy. Around the superstructure, crabs scuttle through the railings, and plumose anemones bloom like ghostly flowers, especially around the wheelhouse. It’s a quiet dive, often just you and your buddy, with only the hum of your rebreather and the occasional clink of gear breaking the silence. Our favourite moment is always catching that first glimpse of her silhouette emerging from the deep blue. This isn't a dive for coral, it’s for history, for the challenge, and for the profound sense of isolation.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.432860, -2.718339
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Papa Westray

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 ISLAND LASS

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 ISLAND LASS

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