KEDANA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

We’ve spent a lot of time in Scapa Flow, mostly on the big German warships, but the *Kedana* offers something completely different and we love it for that. This isn't a deep, dark penetration dive; the *Kedana* sits in just 5 metres of water, making it incredibly accessible for almost anyone. You can spend an hour on this little fishing vessel and still find new things. What makes it special for us is how quickly marine life has adopted it since it sank in 2001. The wheelhouse is still largely intact, draped in kelp and soft corals. Look inside and you’ll often find wrasse peering out, or the occasional inquisitive pollack. The mast lies across the deck, forming a perfect habitat for crabs and small gobies. It’s a photographer's dream on a sunny day, with shafts of light cutting through the green water. Our favourite time to dive it is slack tide, particularly around midday when the light is at its best. Just be mindful of boat traffic, as it’s close to the main shipping channel. For a shallow, relaxed dive with plenty of character, the *Kedana* is a real joy.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.507866, -1.648483
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Fair Isle

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 KEDANA

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 KEDANA

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