MALIN HEAD - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Malin Head is a proper Scapa Flow dive, a working steamship that went down in 1910 and has been sitting there ever since. We love a wreck that still feels like a ship, not just a pile of plates. You’ll find her resting on her port side, mostly intact, with her bow pointing northwest. The stern is a fantastic rummage, we always head there first. Her two large boilers are a real focal point, they loom out of the gloom and are covered in dead man's fingers, sometimes so thick they look like a sheep’s fleece. Penetration is possible if you’ve got the right training and gear. Inside, we've found porcelain dinner plates and the occasional boot. The visibility here can be decent, but it's often a bit silty, so take it slow and try not to stir things up. Look for the wolf fish lurking in crevices, and conger eels are pretty much a given. Our favourite time to dive her is on a slack tide, obviously, but also when there's a bit of sun filtering through the water. It really brings out the colours on the anemones and soft corals. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with deeper wrecks and a bit of chill in the water.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.638657, -3.156902
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 MALIN HEAD

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 MALIN HEAD

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 are the typical depths of the dive sites and wrecks around Malin Head?
The dive site at Malin Head is listed with a depth of 0m, indicating it is an exceptionally shallow wreck, possibly breaking the surface or very close to it. This makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a historical vessel in very shallow conditions.
What kind of marine life and historical wrecks can divers expect to explore at Malin Head?
Divers at Malin Head can explore the historical wreck of the steamship EX-A J BALFOUR, which was built in 1892 and sank on October 21, 1910. This substantial vessel measures 105.3m by 13.1m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, the wreck itself offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.
How challenging is the diving at Malin Head, and is it suitable for recreational or only technical divers?
Diving at Malin Head is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for recreational divers with appropriate experience. Its accessible depth and classification as a wreck showing hull or superstructure portions offer an engaging experience without requiring technical diving certifications.
When is the best time of year to plan a diving trip to Malin Head for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Malin Head. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications or experience levels are recommended or required for diving at Malin Head?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Malin Head, divers should possess certifications and experience appropriate for such conditions. This typically includes advanced open water certification or equivalent experience in wreck diving.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions divers might encounter at Malin Head?
The provided data for Malin Head does not include specific details on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date environmental information.