PORTUGAL - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Portugal* wreck is one of those Scapa sites we keep coming back to, not for deep exploration but for the sheer atmosphere. It’s an old steam trawler, lying in just 8 metres of water, almost split in two. You don’t need much air to cover her, making it a perfect second dive or a relaxed long soak. We love hovering over the bow section, watching the light play on the rusted metal, and seeing the crabs scuttling in and out of the cracks. Visibility can swing a bit here, but even on an average day, the sheer volume of kelp and anemones decorating the wreck is stunning. The stern is a bit more broken up, but still clearly a ship, and it’s usually where we find bigger schools of wrasse and pollock hanging around the propellers. Our top tip? Go on a calm day with a high tide; the extra water depth just makes everything feel a little more peaceful and less exposed. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history and close-up marine observation over penetration.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.197594, -6.379956
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 PORTUGAL

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 PORTUGAL

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