JACQUELINE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Jacqueline isn't one of those deep, silent Scapa wrecks; she’s right there, practically beachside near Scotstown Head. We’re talking a maximum depth of one metre, if that. You can honestly snorkel this fishing vessel, and that's precisely what we love about her. She went down in 1982, grounded, then eventually holed and abandoned, so she’s had plenty of time for the local critters to move in. You'll spend your time here exploring the broken hull, watching tiny blennies dart between the rust-coloured plates and crabs scuttling over the weed-covered deck. Sunlight streaks through the shallow water, illuminating the kelp that sways with the gentle current. It’s an ideal spot for macro photography, or for less experienced divers and snorkelers to get a real feel for Scapa’s history without the chill or the depth. Go at high tide for the best visibility; the sand can get a bit stirred up when the water is too low.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.570590, -1.820023
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 JACQUELINE

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 JACQUELINE

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