PONTOON NO 1 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Pontoon No. 1 in Scapa Flow isn't one of the grand battleships, but we absolutely love it for a completely different reason. It’s shallow, sitting at a max of 10 metres, making it perfect for a long, relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to cold water wreck diving. You’re essentially exploring a large, metal box, but it’s the sheer density of life that makes it so compelling. The pontoon acts like a giant, artificial reef. Expect to find conger eels peering from every dark crevice, their heads the size of your forearm. We’ve often seen blennies darting in and out of the small holes, completely unfazed by divers. Our favourite discovery here is the sheer number of colourful anemones that encrust the structure – a vibrant contrast to the stark metal. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, especially with a bit of sunshine. We’d suggest going at slack water, as even a gentle current can kick up the fine sediment. It's a fantastic site for photographers looking for macro life on a larger structure, or anyone who just wants a chill dive in a historic location without the pressure of deeper, darker wrecks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.860138, -3.211565
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 PONTOON NO 1

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 PONTOON NO 1

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