VALONIA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.472088, -5.089356
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Oldshoremore and Sandwood

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 VALONIA

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 VALONIA

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