SEA REEFER
Protected Area
Bullers of Buchan Coast
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) - SEA REEFER offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Sea Reefer, a carrier vessel sunk in 1992, sits upright in Scapa Flow. It’s a good, solid dive for those who appreciate more modern wrecks. We found the stern particularly interesting, with the propeller and rudder still largely intact. Entry points are plentiful, making for some nice swim-throughs into the cargo holds – just watch your buoyancy in there, silt can be an issue. You’ll spot the usual suspects making a home here: plenty of wrasse darting about, and we’ve seen some decent-sized crabs tucked into crevices. It’s not the dramatic history of the German High Seas Fleet, but it’s a very satisfying dive nonetheless.
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.
Reviews for SEA REEFER
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SEA REEFER
SEA REEFER Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SEA REEFER, 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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