OCEAN HERALD II
Protected Area
Loch of Strathbeg
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - OCEAN HERALD II offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical OCEAN HERALD II Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for OCEAN HERALD II
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for OCEAN HERALD II
OCEAN HERALD II Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for OCEAN HERALD II, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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