PLOUGH - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Plough* is a wreck that truly embodies Scapa Flow’s eerie, captivating charm. It’s a fishing trawler, not one of the mighty German fleet, but equally fascinating for its accessible, well-preserved character. We love how the stern sits relatively shallow, making it a brilliant second dive or a long, rewarding exploration for those with better air consumption. As you descend, the shape of the vessel quickly emerges from the green gloom, often shrouded in a shoal of coalfish. You can penetrate the wheelhouse, seeing the gauges and controls still largely in place – a ghostly echo of its working life. Further back, the hold offers an easy swim-through, its dark interior often revealing inquisitive conger eels. We’d suggest a good torch; the light doesn't penetrate all the nooks, and it really brings out the colours of the anemones and soft corals that have made this wreck their home. It’s not a deep dive, around 20 metres, making it perfect for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting time to compose shots without pushing deco limits. The *Plough* is a proper Scapa experience, less about history and more about the simple, profound beauty of a working boat reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.599598, -4.018107
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Strathy Point

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 PLOUGH

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 PLOUGH

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