LOFOTEN
Protected Area
Sule Skerry
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LOFOTEN offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Lofoten, torpedoed in 1918, lies quietly at 34 metres. It’s not the most intact wreck in Scapa Flow, but what remains offers a compelling dive. We love the way she’s opened up, creating these dramatic entry points into the holds. Inside, the light filters through the gaps, illuminating thick clumps of plumose anemones, often in a kaleidoscope of pinks and oranges. Look closely, and you’ll spot squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, along with the occasional wolf fish peering out from under a plate. Exploring the engine room is our favourite part; it feels like stepping back in time. The Lofoten is a moody dive, perfect for those who appreciate the historical weight of Scapa Flow and don't need a fully preserved hull. It’s less about penetration, more about experiencing a wreck reclaimed by the sea. Expect cooler water, even in summer, so a drysuit is definitely the way to go here.
Typical LOFOTEN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (34m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to LOFOTEN
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LOFOTEN
LOFOTEN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LOFOTEN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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