MISTLEY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Mistley isn't a deep dive, at just two metres, but it's one of our favourite shore entries in Scapa Flow. This isn’t about grand exploration, it’s a detailed, intimate wreck experience, perfect for those days when the weather chases you out of the Flow’s deeper sites. We love how accessible she is, the bow practically kisses the surface at low tide. You’re diving an old steamship here, sunk back in '57. Her triple-expansion engine is still largely intact, a real treat to swim around, and we often find small lobsters tucked into the pipework. The real character comes from the way she’s settled, almost on her side, giving you some interesting angles to peek into what’s left of her holds. Visibility can swing a bit depending on the tide, but we've had some cracking dives here with 10-15 metres, enough to really appreciate the shape of the hull. Look closely at the deck plating, it’s a riot of small anemones and nudibranchs. It’s a site for a relaxed poke-around, not a fin-kicking sprint.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.349545, -2.368379
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Northwall

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 MISTLEY

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 MISTLEY

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