PARAGON (POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving Scapa Flow, you get used to the big German warships. But our pick for something a bit different, and still utterly compelling, is the *Paragon*. Lying in 60 metres, this isn't a dive for the faint-hearted, nor for anyone without solid trimix experience. We love it because it’s a truly old wreck, sunk way back in 1898 after hitting some floating debris. Dropping down, the silence really hits you. The *Paragon* isn't huge, but she’s beautifully preserved, a ghostly wooden sailing vessel with an almost complete hull. You can glide along the deck, imagining the last moments, the snap of timbers. The structure itself is a dark, skeletal frame, but it’s softened by the anemones that bloom across every surface, a riot of orange and white in your torch beam. We’ve spotted conger eels tucked into shadowy corners and plenty of inquisitive wrasse. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of the sea. Just be mindful of your deco time; 60 metres in Scapa Flow isn't a place to rush.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.935800, -3.204579
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Spey Bay

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 PARAGON (POSSIBLY)

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 PARAGON (POSSIBLY)

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