SUNLIGHT
Protected Area
North Caithness 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) - SUNLIGHT offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Sunlight wreck sits shallow, a fishing vessel torn open on the Merkle Reef back in '53. What you get here is a good look at a proper old boat, broken but still substantial. We often find the wreck's structure has become home to a surprising number of crabs and small fish, tucked into the twisted metalwork. It’s an interesting little mooch for when you want a break from the deeper stuff, offering a gentle exploration rather than an adrenaline rush, and we think it's particularly good for newer wreck divers to get a feel for things without the pressure of depth or complexity.
Typical SUNLIGHT 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 SUNLIGHT
Dive shops near SUNLIGHT
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SUNLIGHT
SUNLIGHT Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SUNLIGHT, 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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