V 45
Protected Area
Switha
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) - V 45 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The V 45, a German destroyer scuttled in 1919, lies in relatively shallow water at just 10 metres, making it an accessible dive for many. The wreck itself is largely broken up, though her impressive length of nearly 80 metres means there's still plenty of scattered remains to explore across the seabed. Expect to find her engine blocks and boilers creating interesting swim-throughs, now well-colonised by squat lobsters and the occasional playful common seal. It's a great site for divers new to wreck diving or those looking for a relaxed, longer bottom time in Scapa Flow. We usually dive it when the tide is slack for the best visibility.
Typical V 45 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 V 45
Dive shops near V 45
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for V 45
V 45 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for V 45, 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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