MARJORY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Marjory is a favourite of ours in Scapa Flow, especially for those days when the bigger wrecks feel a bit too much like a workout. It’s a fishing vessel, relatively intact, sitting upright in a shallow 14 metres of water. We love that it’s such an accessible penetration dive; you can spend a good chunk of a no-decompression limit exploring the hold and the wheelhouse. What makes the Marjory special, beyond its history, is the way it’s become a home. The interior is swarming with wrasse – often so many you feel like you’re swimming through a confetti storm of golds and greens. Outside, plumose anemones sprout from every surface, creating a shaggy, colourful covering that waves gently in the often negligible current. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into the darker corners; their eyes watch you from the shadows. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate dive, letting the details emerge. We’d suggest a long bottom time, bringing a good torch, and remembering this isn't a deep dive, so it’s perfect for extended exploration even for newer wreck divers.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.193493, -6.382623
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 MARJORY

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 MARJORY

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