LORNE
Protected Area
Switha
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) - LORNE offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Lorne, one of Scapa Flow's original blockships, sits in just 2m of water, making it a surprisingly accessible dive, even for snorkelers or very new divers. Sunk back in 1915, this iron single-screw steamer has been thoroughly broken up by the relentless Orkney weather. You'll find scattered hull plates and ribs spread across the seabed, now heavily encrusted with barnacles and mussels. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting textures and for spotting the smaller stuff, like blennies darting between the metalwork and the occasional crab hunkering down in a crevice. We've often spent a relaxed hour just exploring the debris field, watching the light play on the shallow wreck, and imagining its past life.
Typical LORNE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to LORNE
Dive shops near LORNE
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LORNE
LORNE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LORNE, 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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