U 309
Protected Area
Southern Trench
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) - U 309 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The U 309, a Type VIIC U-boat, lies upright in Scapa Flow at 59 metres. It’s a proper dive, one for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and the colder water that comes with it. We found the conning tower particularly photogenic, often draped in plumose anemones, and the open hatches offer a glimpse into the cramped torpedo room. It's not a site bursting with schools of fish, but you’ll certainly spot plenty of wrasse darting around the structure and crabs tucked into every nook. We'd suggest checking the tide tables carefully; currents can pick up, making the descent interesting if you're not prepared.
Typical U 309 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 59m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
Reviews for U 309
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for U 309
U 309 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for U 309, 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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