V 83 Destroyer - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The V 83 Destroyer isn't just a wreck; it's a slice of history, frozen in time within Scapa Flow. We love how accessible this site is, sitting relatively shallow, which makes it perfect for extended bottom times to really soak it all in. Descending onto the destroyer, you’re greeted by a remarkably intact bow section, cannons still pointing defiantly into the gloom. Schools of cod and pollock weave through the superstructure, and we’ve often spotted curious wrasse peeking from cracks in the plating. Our favourite part has to be exploring the open deck spaces, imagining the crew on watch, long ago. The stern section, while a bit more broken up, offers fantastic swim-throughs for those with good buoyancy. It’s an immersive dive for anyone interested in naval history, offering a tangible connection to the past, and it's particularly rewarding on a day with decent visibility when the outlines of the ship emerge from the green with real drama.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.865750, -3.197500
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to V 83 Destroyer

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for V 83 Destroyer

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories