MAGNUS
Protected Area
Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo
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) - MAGNUS offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical MAGNUS 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.
Reviews for MAGNUS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MAGNUS
MAGNUS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MAGNUS, 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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