LYCIA
Protected Area
Copinsay
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) - LYCIA offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Lycia is a proper shallow dive, often less than two metres deep, making it a good spot for a relaxed exploration after a more demanding wreck. She was sunk as a blockship, jammed onto the shore at the northeastern end of the Skerry Sound barrier. What you get now is a scattering of steel plates and ribs, quite broken up, but it’s a site that gives you a real sense of Scapa Flow’s history without the depth. Keep an eye out for crabs scuttling among the metalwork and small fish darting through the beams. It’s an easy, low-current dive, perfect for a bit of calm photography or just soaking in the atmosphere.
Typical LYCIA 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 LYCIA
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LYCIA
LYCIA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LYCIA, 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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