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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving at Navarre Beach?
The dive site NAVARRE, located in Scapa Flow, offers diving at a depth of 2 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for divers exploring this historic wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater structures can divers expect to see at Navarre?
Divers exploring the NAVARRE can expect to encounter the remains of a 38.3m x 7.1m trawler vessel, which sank on February 9, 1939. This historic wreck, built in 1918, features a boiler and a triple expansion engine, offering fascinating underwater structures to explore. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species; for general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Navarre Beach, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the NAVARRE wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and intermediate rating, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Navarre, Florida for optimal conditions?
The provided data context is for the NAVARRE wreck located in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, not Navarre, Florida. Therefore, we cannot provide specific information regarding the best time to dive in Navarre, Florida based on this dataset. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive the various sites in Navarre?
For the NAVARRE wreck, which is rated as intermediate difficulty and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess certifications appropriate for such challenging sites. While specific certifications are not detailed in the data, advanced open water or wreck diving specialties are typically recommended for similar dives. Always ensure you meet the local operator's requirements before diving.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like for diving at Navarre Beach?
The provided data for the NAVARRE wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom does not include specific details on typical water conditions or currents. Divers planning to explore this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents, visibility, and water temperatures.