MAGICIAN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Magician is one of our favourites in Scapa Flow, probably because it’s a bit of an underdog. Not part of the scuttled German fleet, this steamship went down after hitting a mine in 1944. She sits upright, largely intact, with her bow in shallower water – you can easily spend an hour just exploring that section. Drop down and you're immediately hit by the scale of her. Her cargo holds are open, inviting exploration, and we’ve spent many dives finning through, torch beams cutting through the green light. Look for the massive triple-expansion engine and the twin boilers, still impressive after all these years. There are usually plenty of squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and plumose anemones coat the darker sections. It’s a proper expedition dive, a real sense of journeying through a sunken world. We’d suggest saving this one for a day with good visibility, perhaps on an incoming tide when the water can be a bit clearer. She’s a great wreck for divers who love penetration but also offers plenty of interesting external features if going inside isn't your thing.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.523094, -1.798367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan 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 MAGICIAN

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 MAGICIAN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Magician dive site?
The Magician dive site is a fascinating wreck, classified with an intermediate difficulty. While the provided data indicates a depth of '0m', this likely refers to the shallowest point of the wreck, which shows 'any portion of hull or superstructure'. Divers should anticipate typical wreck diving depths for an intermediate site, as the full depth range is not explicitly detailed.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see at the Magician dive site?
At the Magician dive site, you can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a steam ship vessel. This large wreck, measuring 120.4m x 16.2m, was built in 1926 and sunk on April 14, 1944. The site is classified as a wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure, offering a significant structure to explore; however, specific details on marine life are not provided in the current data.
How challenging is the Magician dive site, and is it suitable for inexperienced divers?
The Magician dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is not typically suitable for inexperienced or beginner divers, who might require more advanced skills and experience for safe exploration. Divers should possess appropriate certifications and comfort with wreck diving conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at the Magician dive site for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Magician dive site is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Scapa Flow area, you may wish to consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific dive certifications required or recommended for the Magician dive site?
Given the Magician dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty, it is highly recommended that divers possess appropriate certifications for wreck diving and experience commensurate with intermediate-level dives. While specific certifications are not listed, advanced open water or wreck diver specialities would be beneficial for safely exploring this steam ship vessel.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Magician dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Magician dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit this Scapa Flow wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors.