Sinclair Buss - Scapa Flow, Orkney

There’s a reason Cabezo del Jorobado consistently ranks high on our Florida Keys list. It's not the biggest, but it’s got personality. We love the way the reef sprawls, feeling less like a manicured garden and more like a wild, untamed frontier. Keep an eye out for the unusual suspects here. We’ve had incredible encounters with giant gobies peeking out from their rocky hideaways, and the three-tooth cavoline is a regular, shimmering through the mid-water column. Visibility can swing, but on a good day, it’s like diving in gin. Our favourite time to visit is late morning, after the initial rush, when the light really pierces the water, illuminating every crevice. We've even been lucky enough to spot sperm whales on the deeper fringes, a rare treat that really sets this site apart. This isn’t a drift dive; it’s one where you want to slow down, hover, and truly absorb the details. Bring a good macro lens, because the smaller stuff, like the perfectly camouflaged small-scaled spinycheek sleeper, is just as captivating as the bigger visitors. This site really suits divers who appreciate a slower pace and are rewarded by careful observation.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.483330, -1.766670
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan Coast

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to Sinclair Buss

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Sinclair Buss

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories