wreck

Log This Dive

VALONIA

The Valonia isn't one of Scapa's colossal German dreadnoughts, and that's precisely why we love it. This is a working boat, a fishing vessel that went ashore, and it feels much more intimate. You descend onto a hull that's now a home for Orkney's smaller, tougher critters. Look for the nudibranchs tucked into crevices and the blennies darting between plates of rust, perfectly camouflaged. What makes the Valonia a standout for us is the story etched into its ribs. You can almost feel the everyday toil here. We usually find it’s a good one for practicing buoyancy in tighter spots, weaving through the collapsed superstructure. The visibility can be variable, but even on a greener day, the wreck’s character shines through. It’s not about grand vistas; it’s about the details, the life that’s claimed it, and the quiet satisfaction of exploring a wreck that feels truly local. A great second dive, perhaps, after the bigger boys.