NAVARRE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Navarre sits in the shallows of Scapa Flow, which immediately makes her a little different from the more celebrated deeper wrecks. This isn't a long dive, but it's a remarkably evocative one. She’s a trawler, sunk in 1939, and much of her remains broken but recognisable in just a couple of metres of water. We love a shallow wreck because the light penetration can be incredible on a sunny day. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the collapsed bow and stern sections, sifting through the remains of her structure, where plates and ribs are scattered amongst the kelp. It’s surprisingly atmospheric. Visibility can vary, but even on an average day, the way the light filters through the green water, illuminating chunks of machinery and twisted metal, is quite special. You’ll find plenty of crabs scuttling over the hull, and often a decent number of small pollock hiding in the shadows. We’d suggest going at high tide; it gives you a little more water to play with, though it's never a deep dive. For photographers, especially wide-angle wreck enthusiasts, the Navarre offers some unusual perspectives that you just don't get on deeper sites. A great surface interval dive, or for those looking for a quick, interesting dip without the decompression obligations.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.642940, -3.023810
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 NAVARRE

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 NAVARRE

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