MARSTENEN
Protected Area
Noss Head
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) - MARSTENEN offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Marstenen. Now, this is a wreck we always recommend for something a little different in Scapa Flow. She’s not one of the German High Seas Fleet, but a Norwegian steamship sunk by a German aircraft in 1940. Lying upright at 52 metres, she’s a deep dive, make no mistake, so suitable for experienced technical divers. What makes the Marstenen a standout? For us, it’s the sense of an undisturbed time capsule. Descending onto her deck, you’ll find winches, derricks, and the large holds relatively intact. The visibility here can be superb, letting the natural light filter down, picking out the brass fittings and the delicate anemones that have colonised every surface. We love poking around the bow, where the anchor chain still runs, and imagining her final moments. You’ll often find conger eels peering from dark recesses, and jewel anemones splash colour across the steel. It's a quiet, reflective dive, offering a stark contrast to the colossal battleships nearby, and a real chance to connect with a different piece of wartime history.
Typical MARSTENEN 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 52m 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 MARSTENEN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MARSTENEN
MARSTENEN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MARSTENEN, 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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