MARRADALE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Let’s be honest, Scapa Flow is legendary for its German High Seas Fleet wrecks, but sometimes we want something a little different. The *Marradale*, a fishing trawler that went down in 1974, offers exactly that change of pace. We love the way she sits upright on the seabed at 50 metres, practically intact and a fascinating contrast to the battleships. Descending onto her deck, you’ll find a surprisingly busy ecosystem. Ling often lurk in the wheelhouse, and enormous conger eels have made homes in the engine room. Our favourite part? Peering into the stern; the fishing gear is still largely in place, a haunting reminder of her working life. For experienced wreck divers looking for a deep, atmospheric dive that’s less about history and more about exploration and marine life, the *Marradale* is a truly excellent choice. Just remember your lights, it gets dark down there.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.999634, -6.001138
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Shiant East Bank

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 MARRADALE

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 MARRADALE

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