ST CLAIR
Protected Area
Pentland Firth Islands
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) - ST CLAIR offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The St Clair, a stranded trawler, sits high and dry near the shore in Scapa Flow, making it a dive for those who appreciate accessibility and a different kind of wreck experience. You can literally walk up to it and slip into the shallows. Most of the wreck is exposed, but below the waterline, the lower sections are home to wrasse and crabs, sheltering among the plates. It's a quick, easy dive, probably best for photographers looking for an interesting frame or anyone keen on ticking off another piece of Scapa Flow's history without the usual depth or current concerns. Think of it as a historical curio, rather than a deep exploration.
Typical ST CLAIR 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ST CLAIR
Dive shops near ST CLAIR
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ST CLAIR
ST CLAIR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ST CLAIR, 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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