MARTIS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Martis isn't your deep-water behemoth, and that's precisely why we love her. This is a shallow, sprawling blockship, sitting in just 5 metres of water, perfect for extended dives and photographers. She’s a steel single-screw steamer, sunk in 1940, and now a fantastic wreck for exploring Scapa Flow without the decompression limits. We often find ourselves lingering here, tracing the hull plates, watching the light ripple through the kelp. The structure, while broken, still has plenty of nooks and crannies. You can poke around the remains of the superstructure, where crabs scuttle and small fish dart in and out of the shadows. The shallow depth means ambient light is plentiful, illuminating the rich colours of the anemones and soft corals that have colonised the metal. It's a gentle dive, ideal for those who want to really absorb the atmosphere of a Scapa Flow wreck, maybe even get some macro shots, without the intensity of the deeper battleships. Our tip? Come on a calm, sunny day; the visibility can be excellent, and the light play is mesmerising.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.870667, -2.915350
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

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 MARTIS

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 MARTIS

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