MARRADALE
Protected Area
Shiant East Bank
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) - MARRADALE offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical MARRADALE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
Reviews for MARRADALE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MARRADALE
MARRADALE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MARRADALE, 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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