V 78
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 78 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The V 78 sits in the shallows of Scapa Flow, a destroyer scuttled in 1919 and then raised in 1925. What’s left today is less a wreck and more a scatter, a low-profile jumble of plates and frames spread across the seabed at just 5 metres. We find it’s a great spot for an extended safety stop or an easy second dive, especially if the weather has pushed out other plans. You'll spend your time poking around the metalwork, which has become a canvas for kelp, anemones, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse. It’s not one for penetration, but it offers a tangible piece of history in conditions usually calmer than the deeper sites.
Typical V 78 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 78
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for V 78
V 78 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for V 78, 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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