STRATO
Protected Area
Northwall
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) - STRATO offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Strato, a trawler from 1920, isn't one of Scapa's colossal warships, but she's a compelling dive in her own right. Originally stranded near Start Point, she was refloated, brought to Kirkwall, and broken up, leaving behind a scattered but recognisable wreck. You'll navigate through the remains of her hull, often finding inquisitive wrasse darting between plates. Her single boiler and triple expansion engine are still present, creating plenty of nooks and crannies for crabs and lobsters. It's a dive that rewards a slower pace, perfect for divers who appreciate the industrial history of Scapa's smaller vessels.
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 STRATO
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for STRATO
STRATO Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for STRATO, 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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