REDSTONE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Redstone is one of Scapa Flow's little secrets, a proper standout if you ask us, and our go-to for a shallower dive when the deeper wrecks are off limits. Forget the grand scale of the German High Seas Fleet; this blockship, sunk in 1918 and then partially removed, offers a different kind of charm. We love drifting over its scattered remains, the twisted metal plates and ribs sprawled across the seabed at a consistent 8 meters. You’ll find an impressive amount of life here, especially given the depth. Schools of juvenile coalfish often swarm the area, swirling around the wreck’s skeletal structure, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large lobsters tucked into the crevices. Look closely, and you’ll spot colourful nudibranchs grazing on the algae-covered metal. It’s an ideal site for new wreck divers or those wanting a relaxed hour underwater, perfect for getting comfortable with drysuit diving or testing new camera gear. The visibility can be excellent, especially on a calm day with a high tide, making the details of the wreck really pop.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.892357, -2.901620
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 REDSTONE

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 REDSTONE

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