MARCO POLO - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Marco Polo, she’s a beauty, even if she barely tickles the surface. We love this site for a relaxed dip, perfect for a long snorkel or a shallow dive when the sun’s out. She was a steel sailing vessel, wrecked on Jack’s Reef in a December gale back in 1915, and now her bones lie just two metres deep. It’s an incredible insight into a bygone era, with ribs and plating scattered across the seabed, forming a skeletal outline of her 75-metre length. You’ll weave through the twisted metal, observing the kelp that sways with the gentle current, creating a green forest around the wreck. Look closely and you’ll find butterfish darting between the plates, and often, we’ve spotted small crabs scuttling over the rust-coloured steel. It’s a peaceful, surprisingly vibrant encounter with history, ideal for photographers wanting to capture the interplay of light and shadow, or for less experienced divers looking for an easy, rewarding exploration. We’d suggest heading out here on a calm day, when the sun can really illuminate the wreck, bringing out the subtle colours of the marine growth.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.153330, -2.611667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Little Linga Holm

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 MARCO POLO

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 MARCO POLO

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 dive depths encountered on a Marco Polo liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands and surrounding areas?
The provided data describes the MARCO POLO wreck site in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, which has a depth of 2m. Information regarding a "Marco Polo liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands" is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the dive sites visited by the MV Marco Polo liveaboard?
The provided data describes the MARCO POLO as a steel sailing vessel wreck, sunk in 1915, measuring 75.6m x 11.7m. However, the context does not include information about marine life or other underwater features, nor does it mention an "MV Marco Polo liveaboard" or other dive sites visited by it.
How challenging are the dives on the Marco Polo liveaboard itinerary, and is it suitable for divers with varying experience levels?
The MARCO POLO wreck site itself is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. The provided data does not contain information about a "Marco Polo liveaboard itinerary" or its suitability for varying experience levels beyond the specific wreck's classification.
What is the best time of year to dive with the Marco Polo liveaboard in the Similan Islands for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data pertains to the MARCO POLO wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. Information regarding a "Marco Polo liveaboard in the Similan Islands" or the best time of year for diving with it is not available in the provided context. For general information on when to dive, please visit our guide.
What dive certifications and minimum experience are required to join a Marco Polo liveaboard trip in Thailand?
The provided data describes the MARCO POLO wreck site in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, which has an intermediate difficulty. However, the context does not specify dive certifications or minimum experience requirements for a "Marco Polo liveaboard trip in Thailand."
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the dive sites visited by the MV Marco Polo liveaboard?
The provided data describes the MARCO POLO wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. Information regarding typical water conditions, currents, or other dive sites visited by an "MV Marco Polo liveaboard" is not available in the provided context.