S 49
Protected Area
Switha
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 49 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The S 49 sits upright in a very accessible 13 metres, making it a good choice for divers looking for a mellow dive into Scapa Flow’s history. This destroyer is remarkably intact, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into, especially the torpedo tubes which are still easily identifiable. You’ll spot the usual suspects here: crabs scuttling over the plates, dogfish lurking in the shadows, and often a decent amount of pollock hovering above the main structure. It’s a great wreck for working on your buoyancy or just soaking in the scale of these vessels without the pressure of deeper dives.
Typical S 49 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 49
Dive shops near S 49
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for S 49
S 49 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for S 49, 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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