S138
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) - S138 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The S138, a German destroyer scuttled in 1919, lies in a manageable 16 metres of water, making it a great option for divers looking to explore a piece of Scapa Flow’s history without extreme depths. We usually find it’s pretty intact for a ship of its age, with parts of the bow and stern still recognisable. You can swim along the deck, peeking into the collapsed superstructure where conger eels often lurk, or spot the nudibranchs clinging to the hull plates. It’s a solid dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind the chillier North Sea temperatures. We find visibility can vary, but on a good day, the scale of the S138 really comes into view.
Typical S138 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 S138
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for S138
S138 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for S138, 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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