MALMLAND
Protected Area
Loch of Strathbeg
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) - MALMLAND offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
Dropping onto the *Malmland* at 53 metres is a journey back to a moment frozen in time. This Swedish steamer, sunk by a German U-boat in 1917, now lies mostly intact, a ghostly silhouette in Scapa Flow’s often moody light. We love the sheer scale of it, 102 metres stretching out into the gloom, her bows and stern still impressively formed. The triple expansion engine is a highlight, and you can explore the engine room, though penetration requires careful planning and appropriate training given the depth. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where the prop shaft leads you towards the rudder, now home to some hefty pollack and ling. Visibility here can vary wildly, from a glorious 15 metres to a more typical 5, so bring a powerful torch and keep an eye on your buddy. It’s a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of current on occasion.
Typical MALMLAND Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 53m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for MALMLAND
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MALMLAND
MALMLAND Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MALMLAND, 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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