SWIFTSURE
Protected Area
Auskerry
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) - SWIFTSURE offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Swiftsure, a motor vessel sunk in 1917, offers a really interesting dive in Scapa Flow. Lying at 31m, she’s pretty intact, a classic tramp steamer with her bow pointing west. You can spend a good hour exploring the single boiler and triple expansion engine, which are still very much in place. The hull is draped in dead man’s fingers and anemones, and we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked into the darker recesses. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, it’s a calm, meditative dive, great for those looking for a piece of history without the crowds of the German High Seas Fleet wrecks.
Typical SWIFTSURE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (31m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to SWIFTSURE
Dive shops near SWIFTSURE
View all dive centres in Scapa Flow, OrkneyReviews for SWIFTSURE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SWIFTSURE
SWIFTSURE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SWIFTSURE, 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
Plan & book
Ways to dive Scapa Flow, Orkney, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Scapa Flow, OrkneyPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Scapa Flow, Orkney.
Search stays in Scapa Flow, OrkneyDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near SWIFTSURE
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.