MAGNUS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Magnus might only be six metres deep, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. This isn't a long, deep dive, it's a wonderfully atmospheric potter, perfect for a bit of wreck penetration if you're comfortable in tighter spaces. We love exploring the stern, poking around where the prop fouled back in '79 – a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong even in calm waters. The wreck itself is a lobster boat, broken but largely intact, with an upright boiler and plenty of nooks. You'll often find ling lurking in the darker corners and the metalwork is thick with colourful anemones. It's an excellent training ground for wreck diving, offering a taste of overhead environments without the commitment of deeper, darker sites. Our top tip: go at high slack. The currents here can be a bit frisky, making a gentle drift dive turn into a wrestling match with the boat if you're not careful.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.279648, -3.328191
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo

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 MAGNUS

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 MAGNUS

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