S52
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) - S52 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The S52 destroyer lies in a relatively shallow part of Scapa Flow, making it a great introduction to the area’s famous wrecks. Sitting at just 11 metres, she’s well broken up, but you can still make out her bow and stern sections, along with some of the engine room components. We often find schooling saithe darting through the remains, and plenty of plumose anemones clinging to the metalwork, a vibrant splash of colour against the steel. While it’s not a penetration dive, there's enough structure to explore for an hour, especially if you’re keen on photography in the often moody Scapa light. It’s an accessible dive, suitable for most open water divers, and a good one to warm up on before tackling the deeper giants.
Typical S52 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 S52
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for S52
S52 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for S52, 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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