STELLATUS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Stellatus sits upright in the north of Scapa Flow, a solid, accessible wreck for divers of all levels. We particularly like the bow section, where the anchor chains spill out into the sand, giving you a real sense of the ship’s scale. Look for the twin boilers, still largely intact and surrounded by feathery dead man's fingers. The odd wolfish has been known to eye you from a crevice here, and we’ve seen plenty of conger eels making homes in the deeper sections of the hull. It’s a great introduction to Scapa’s wrecks, without the deeper depths or stronger currents of some of the bigger warships.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.566280, -3.068244
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 STELLATUS

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 STELLATUS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths of dive sites in St. Eustatius (Statia)?
Information regarding the typical depths of dive sites in St. Eustatius (Statia) is not available within the provided data context. The data specifically details the STELLATUS wreck, an intermediate difficulty dive site in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, with a listed depth of 0m. For details on St. Eustatius (Statia) dive depths, please consult resources specific to that region.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in St. Eustatius (Statia)?
The provided data does not contain information about the marine life or underwater features specific to St. Eustatius (Statia). Instead, it describes the STELLATUS, a 96m x 13.4m steam ship wreck sunk in 1959 in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. For details on marine life and features in St. Eustatius (Statia), please refer to dedicated regional guides or the DivePlnr wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive conditions and currents generally at St. Eustatius (Statia) dive sites?
Details on the general dive conditions and currents for St. Eustatius (Statia) dive sites are not present in the provided context. The available data focuses on the STELLATUS wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, which is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. For information on conditions and currents in St. Eustatius (Statia), please consult specific regional diving resources.
When is the best time of year to go diving in St. Eustatius (Statia) for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data context does not offer information regarding the best time of year for diving in St. Eustatius (Statia). The available details pertain to the STELLATUS wreck, a steam ship vessel located in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. For optimal diving seasons in St. Eustatius (Statia), please refer to specific regional guides or the DivePlnr when-to-dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at the various sites in St. Eustatius (Statia)?
Information about typical scuba diving certifications required for sites in St. Eustatius (Statia) is not included in the provided data. The context describes the STELLATUS wreck, an intermediate difficulty dive in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. For certification requirements in St. Eustatius (Statia), please consult local dive operators or regional guidelines.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures like for diving in St. Eustatius (Statia)?
The provided data context does not contain information on typical current conditions or water temperatures for diving in St. Eustatius (Statia). The available details describe the STELLATUS wreck, a 96m x 13.4m vessel in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. For specific current and temperature data for St. Eustatius (Statia), please refer to dedicated regional diving information.