MORAY FIRTH (PROBABLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Let's be clear, it's called "Moray Firth (Probably)" for a reason. This isn't one of Scapa Flow's named fleet wrecks, but a later, less-celebrated casualty from 1943. Don't let that put you off. Dropping onto her decks at 40 metres, she's surprisingly intact, lying upright, and feels like a proper deep dive. We love the way the light filters through the murky water, creating an ethereal glow around her superstructure. The Moray Firth (Probably) is a steamship that went down after a collision, and the damage is evident. You can still make out the engine room, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into, though penetration requires care and experience. What makes her special for us is the marine life. The wreck is covered in dead man's fingers, creating a ghostly white landscape. Look for the wrasse darting between the plates and the conger eels peeking out from darker openings. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the quiet solitude of a lesser-known but rewarding site. We'd suggest diving it on a slack tide for the best visibility.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.766384, -2.782404
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Cullen to Stake Ness 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 MORAY FIRTH (PROBABLY)

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 FIRTH (PROBABLY)

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