KITTY FISHER - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Kitty Fisher isn’t a deep dive, not even close. You’ll find her mostly above the waterline, beached on the rocks at Big Sandaig after she ran aground back in ’81. We love this site for its unique blend of history and intertidal exploration. It’s a completely different experience to the deeper Scapa Flow wrecks, a chance to get up close and personal without needing a tank. Wading out to the wreck, you can spend ages just clambering around her exposed hull. Barnacles cling to every surface, and the metal is stained orange with rust. When the tide is low enough, you can peer into what's left of her internal structure. We always spot crabs scuttling in the shadows and small blennies darting between crevices. It’s less about grand exploration and more about intimate discovery – a fascinating piece of Scapa Flow’s working history, slowly being reclaimed by the sea and its inhabitants. Perfect for a surface interval or a calm day when you just want to potter about.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.744114, -5.792820
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 KITTY FISHER

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 KITTY FISHER

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