MORAY ADVENTURER - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Moray Adventurer, a small beam trawler, sits shallow in Scapa Flow, an unusual choice perhaps, but one we consistently return to. She’s only four metres deep, really just a snorkel, but the way she’s pancaked onto the rocks gives her a strangely intimate feel. You can poke around the wheelhouse, which is still quite intact, and peek into the hold where spider crabs often lurk in the shadows. We love how the kelp drapes over the stern, swaying with the gentle surge, making the whole wreck feel like part of the reef. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking for a relaxed dive, maybe to test out new gear, or for photographers wanting to play with natural light. Even on a grey Orkney day, the shallow depth keeps things surprisingly bright. Look closely, and you’ll spot blennies darting between the plates and nudibranchs grazing on the rust. We often finish a long day of deeper wreck diving here, finding a quiet beauty in its simplicity.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.129234, -5.818183
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: North Rona

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 MORAY ADVENTURER

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 MORAY ADVENTURER

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