PHILIPPA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Philippa might only sit at 10 metres, but don’t let that fool you. This isn’t just a shallow splash; it’s a proper Scapa wreck, and one we truly love for a relaxed dive. She was a yacht, 61 metres long, that just gave up the ghost at her moorings back in 1970. No dramatic explosions or wartime heroics here, but that peaceful end means she settled upright and relatively intact, making for an enjoyable exploration. What we really enjoy about Philippa is the light. At 10 metres, even on a gloomy Orkney day, you get plenty of ambient light filtering down, illuminating the deck and making penetration – for those qualified and comfortable – less intimidating. We’ve spent many an hour poking around the holds, watching the shoals of coalfish dart through the superstructure, and admiring the anemones that coat every available surface. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking to capture that classic wreck outline against a bright surface. If you’re building your confidence on bigger wrecks or just want a chill dive with plenty to see, Philippa is our pick. Just watch out for fishing line near the bow.

Location: Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 57.887157, -5.140139
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 10m

Marine Protected Area: Cailleach Head

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to PHILIPPA

The Diving Cellar

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

Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) - Whales & Dolphins
grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) - Reef Fish
dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) - Sharks & Rays
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - Reef Fish
poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) - Reef Fish
sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
Common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) - Whales & Dolphins
Split (Scomber scombrus) - Reef Fish
Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) - Reef Fish
lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) - Reef Fish
white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) - Whales & Dolphins
Common sea star (Asterias rubens) - Starfish
Soldier (Chelidonichthys cuculus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for PHILIPPA

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