MARZOCCO - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Marzocco is a strange beast in Scapa Flow, a real deviation from the usual German fleet wrecks. We love it because it’s so accessible, just 5 metres deep, right up in the shallows near the shore. You’re looking at a huge merchant steamship, scuttled back in 1940, and she’s broken up quite a bit but that’s part of her charm. What you get here is a massive debris field, plates, ribs, and structure strewn across the seabed. It’s less about penetration and more about picking through the puzzle pieces. Crabs scuttle under every overhang, and you’ll spot plumose anemones waving from the darker corners. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially if there’s some swell, but on a calm day, the ambient light filters through beautifully. We’d suggest going at high slack to get the clearest conditions and the least current. It’s perfect for those wanting to spend a long, relaxed dive exploring history without the depth demands, and it’s surprisingly good for photography too, given how much light gets down there.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.508930, -1.763649
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan Coast

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 MARZOCCO

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 MARZOCCO

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