MARANDRA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Marandra isn't a deep dive, but it's a real charmer. This little fishing vessel ran ashore on Kirk Rocks back in '80, and now she sits upright in very shallow water, her stern practically kissing the surface at low tide. We love her because she's just so accessible, a perfect introduction to wreck diving in Scapa Flow without the usual depth or current concerns. You'll find her hull completely colonised by an amazing tapestry of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like miniature feather dusters. Look closer, and you’ll spot velvet crabs scuttling over the rusting deck plates and blennies peeking from every crevice. We’d suggest diving Marandra as a second or third dive on a calm day, perhaps after exploring one of the deeper blockships. The light penetration is incredible, especially on a sunny afternoon, painting the wreck in hues of green and gold. Just remember your drysuit – it’s Orkney, after all.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.952904, -3.334888
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 MARANDRA

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 MARANDRA

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