LOYAL FRIEND - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Forget grand, deep wrecks for a moment. The *Loyal Friend* offers something different, a shallow, accessible wreck dive that we think is often overlooked in Scapa Flow. This old fishing vessel, now just a scatter of ribs and plates across the rocks at 7 metres, feels less like a ship and more like a carefully arranged underwater sculpture garden. What we love here is the sheer amount of life clinging to every piece of metal. Crabs scuttle in the shadows, their shells bright against the dark steel. Anemones, like miniature fireworks, erupt from the barnacle-encrusted hull sections. It’s an intimate dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys poking around without the pressure of depth or strong currents. Our favourite trick is to drift slowly over the main debris field, letting your eyes adjust, and then spotting the subtle shapes of the engine parts or the rudder. It’s not about penetration; it’s about observation, a chance to really slow down and appreciate how nature reclaims things. Look closely, and you’ll find nudibranchs inching their way across the rust, vibrant little jewels in a world of muted tones.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.672940, -2.909939
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 LOYAL FRIEND

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 LOYAL FRIEND

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