OCEAN HERALD II - Scapa Flow, Orkney

We’ll be honest, the Ocean Herald II isn't what comes to mind when you hear "Scapa Flow wreck." It’s not deep, not dark, and certainly not a German battleship. But that’s precisely why we love it. This 21-meter trawler ran aground in 1984 and now sits in less than a meter of water, essentially a snorkel site with serious character. On a calm day, the exposed hull is a playground for light. Sunbeams slice through the water, illuminating anemones and small blennies tucked into every crevice. We’ve spent hours here, mesmerised by the way the kelp sways, creating shadowy canyons along the deck plates. Our favourite spot is right around the stern, where the prop shaft usually houses a territorial wrasse or two. It’s an easy, casual dive for anyone, even non-divers can get a fantastic look, and it offers a surprising amount of detail for such a shallow wreck. Head out on a high tide for the best visibility and a chance to really appreciate the structure.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.558090, -1.793370
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 OCEAN HERALD II

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 OCEAN HERALD II

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