LADY PRIMROSE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Lady Primrose, a drifter that met its end in a fire, is one of Scapa Flow’s deeper, more atmospheric dives. We love the way she lies, upright and mostly intact on a flat seabed at 52 metres, her wooden hull still surprisingly well-preserved. Dropping down, you’ll first pick out the stern, then the bow slowly reveals itself, draped in anemones and dead man's fingers. Our favourite part is peeking into the wheelhouse, imagining the chaos as the fire took hold. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, suited to experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth and overhead environments. Expect to share the space with inquisitive wrasse darting through portholes and the occasional lobster tucked into a dark corner. The low light at this depth adds to the solemnity, making every torch beam feel like a discovery. We’d suggest a rebreather for extended bottom time, really letting you soak in the history here.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.704740, -1.835029
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs Coast

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 LADY PRIMROSE

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 LADY PRIMROSE

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