5-20m
    Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    East Mainland Coast, Shetland

    The Sneckan

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    East Mainland Coast, Shetland

    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 Sneckan offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest reef diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-20m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Restinga Brava in the Florida Keys often gets overlooked for some of the flashier wrecks, but it’s a solid reef dive. You’ll find healthy stands of great star coral and boulder brain coral, along with plenty of lettuce coral, which always adds interesting texture to the reef scape. Keep an eye out for grunts and snappers schooling, and we've spotted some decent-sized barracuda here too. It’s a reliable spot for a relaxed dive, good for knocking off a few dives on a multi-day trip.

    Typical The Sneckan Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today06:3417:0910h 35m daylightGolden hour 16:11

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Sneckan

    The Sneckan Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for The Sneckan, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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