RUBICON
Protected Area
Culbin Bar
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - RUBICON offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Rubicon* offers a gentle introduction to Scapa Flow's wreck diving, sitting upright in a shallow 10 metres. This yacht, which caught fire and sank back in 1990, is small but surprisingly intact. We found her wheelhouse an easy swim-through, now home to a resident ballan wrasse. Because of the limited depth, you get plenty of bottom time to poke around the deck, finding small crabs tucked into crevices and a surprising number of anemones clustered on the hull. It’s a great choice for divers just getting their fins wet in wreck diving or for a relaxed second dive.
Typical RUBICON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for RUBICON
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for RUBICON
RUBICON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for RUBICON, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Scapa Flow, Orkney, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Scapa Flow, OrkneyPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Scapa Flow, Orkney.
Search stays in Scapa Flow, OrkneyDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near RUBICON
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
