NAVENA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Navena* isn’t one of Scapa Flow’s deep, German giants, and that’s precisely why we love it. This trawler, beached in a storm in 1973, sits right in the shallows – a max depth of 2m means it’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and even just wading. You don’t need a boat to get to it, which is a rare treat in Scapa, just head to the shore near Burra. What you get is a skeletal wreck, its ribs reaching out of the water at low tide. We think it’s our favourite spot for a relaxed explore after diving the deeper stuff. The bow section is the most intact, offering some interesting swim-throughs as you drift over the remains of the bridge. The light here is often fantastic, even on a cloudy day, cutting through the clear, green water to illuminate schools of juvenile fish darting amongst the twisted metal. Look closely and you’ll find crabs tucked into crevices and anemones clinging to the hull. It’s a wonderful example of how nature reclaims even the most modern of wrecks, and a great chance to see Scapa’s history up close without needing a full-on dive kit.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.902920, -2.674972
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 NAVENA

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 NAVENA

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