STERNDON
Protected Area
Berriedale Cliffs
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) - STERNDON offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
We sometimes forget Scapa isn't just about the German High Seas Fleet. The Sterndon, a small fishing vessel that went down in 1996, offers a different sort of dive, perfect for days when you want something a bit shallower. Sitting upright at 20 metres, she’s only ten metres long, making for a manageable exploration, especially good for newer wreck divers or those looking for an easier second dive. You’ll find her now well-colonised with anemones and dead man’s fingers, and often home to a feisty crab or two peeking from a crevice. It's a proper little wreck, and a nice change of pace from the big cruisers.
Typical STERNDON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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.
Reviews for STERNDON
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for STERNDON
STERNDON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for STERNDON, 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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