PENAROZ - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Penaroz* isn't one of Scapa's Grand Fleet giants, but it’s a site we actually really enjoy. At 16.5m long, it’s a fishing vessel, sunk in 1990 after a seacock failed in the engine room. We love diving it because it's completely intact, sitting upright at 50m. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying in the gentle surge like a field of flowers. They carpet the deck and superstructure, especially around the wheelhouse where light filters through the opening. We've often found ourselves hovering there, watching small blennies dart in and out of the plating. The mast still stands, creating an interesting silhouette against the green Scapa light. Inside the wheelhouse, you can still see some of the controls, and it’s a compact wreck to navigate. This is a great dive for experienced wreck divers looking for something a bit different from the battleships, offering a more intimate exploration of a working vessel. It’s also our pick for a deeper second dive in the Flow, a chance to really slow down and appreciate the details.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.966305, -5.917815
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Shiant East Bank

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 PENAROZ

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 PENAROZ

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