The Riv
Protected Area
East Sanday Coast
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) - The Riv offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest reef diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
Tabarka’s La Petite Seiche gives you a nice Mediterranean dive, especially if you’re keen on seeing some of the local skate population. We’ve had good luck spotting Longnosed and Brown Skates here, sometimes tucked into the sandy patches around the reef. You’ll also find bass and yellow barracuda hanging out in the bluer water, and the red and sunset cup corals add a splash of colour to the deeper sections. It's a solid choice for a relaxing dive without crazy currents, suiting divers who appreciate a slower pace and want to tick off some unique species.
Typical The Riv Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for The Riv
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Riv
The Riv Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for The Riv, 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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