NUMIDIAN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Numidian is one of those Scapa wrecks that gets overlooked for its deeper, more famous neighbours, but honestly, we love it for a quick, shallow hit. It’s a blockship, sunk back in 1914, lying in Kirk Sound. What you’re looking at now is essentially the keel and lower ribs, with sections of hull plating spread around. It's only 6 metres deep, so perfect for a long dive, or even just a snorkel if the mood strikes. Dive the Numidian on a sunny day, if you can. With good light, the kelp that’s draped over the remaining structure just glows a brilliant green. Look closer, and you’ll spot wrasse darting between the plates, and often, we see good sized shore crabs scuttling amongst the rocks. The visibility here can be superb after a few calm days, making it surprisingly atmospheric. We’d suggest a slow, methodical swim, poking into every nook. It's a great spot for newer drysuit divers getting comfortable, or anyone wanting to spend quality time on a historical piece without the pressure of depth.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.894283, -2.898495
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 NUMIDIAN

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 NUMIDIAN

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