S56
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) - S56 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
S56 in Scapa Flow offers a decent peek into the German High Seas Fleet, lying at a comfortable 17 metres. We usually find her fairly intact, given the scuttling in 1919, with a distinct destroyer shape still evident. You can follow her 82.9-metre length, exploring the decks where various bits of equipment are still recognisable, often draped in anemones. We've often spotted wrasse and dogfish lurking among the twisted metal, making it a good wreck dive for those keen on history without extreme depth.
Typical S56 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 S56
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for S56
S56 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for S56, 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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