MARA
Protected Area
Hoy
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) - MARA offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Mara, a fishing vessel that met its end after bad weather, offers a surprisingly engaging dive at a shallow 14m in Scapa Flow. We typically find her lying at the southern end of Golden Wharf, Lyness, an intriguing stop, especially if you’re diving the area’s bigger wrecks and want something a little different. She’s not massive, but the wreck has taken on a character of its own; you can often make out elements of her fishing past. Expect to see plenty of local critters here, from curious wrasse darting in and out of the structure to small crabs tucked into crevices. It’s a great site for those new to wreck diving, or anyone looking for a relaxed exploration with good chances of spotting some smaller marine life.
Typical MARA 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to MARA
Dive shops near MARA
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MARA
MARA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MARA, 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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