V 81
Protected Area
Noss Head
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 81 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The V 81 is a good dive for those who appreciate history and a bit of a challenge. Lying at 33 metres in Scapa Flow, this German destroyer, scuttled in 1919, offers a fascinating look at a vessel caught between two eras. We've always found the wreck surprisingly intact for its age, with a real sense of its original form despite the passage of time. Visibility here can swing, but on a good day, you'll see plenty of wrasse and crabs making their home among the twisted metal, a stark contrast to the ship's wartime purpose. It's a dive that rewards careful exploration, less about vast coral gardens and more about the quiet beauty of a historical artefact reclaimed by the sea.
Typical V 81 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (33m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
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 V 81
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for V 81
V 81 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for V 81, 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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