MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH
Protected Area
Tong Saltings
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) - MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Mhaighdean Hearrach isn't one of Scapa Flow's big battleships, but we think it's one of the most charming wrecks in the Flow. A fishing vessel sunk in a collision, she sits upright in a sheltered bay, making for a relaxed dive that often feels much warmer than the mercury suggests. At a shallow 16 metres, you get brilliant bottom time, perfect for exploring the wheelhouse and intact bow, often with light filtering through the clear Orkney water. We love seeing the huge ballan wrasse that patrol the deck, sometimes so bold they'll swim right up to your mask. The whole wreck is covered in dead man’s fingers and bright anemones, a proper explosion of colour against the steel. This is a brilliant second dive, or a top pick for divers who want the history of Scapa without the immense scale of the High Seas Fleet. Go on a sunny day if you can, the visibility really sings then.
Typical MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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 MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH
MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH, 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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