S 36
Protected Area
Hoy
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) - S 36 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The S 36, a German destroyer, sits upright in Scapa Flow, a solid introduction to the fleet. At a consistent 14 metres, it's a manageable dive, even for those newer to wreck exploration. We love how much of the destroyer is still discernible: the torpedo tubes are a highlight, and you can still make out the machine guns. Shoals of saithe often hang above the stern, and a closer look reveals plumose anemones clinging to the metalwork. It’s a great site for seeing how Scapa wrecks become their own reefs, without the deeper depths or stronger currents of some of the bigger ships.
Typical S 36 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to S 36
Dive shops near S 36
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for S 36
S 36 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for S 36, 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
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