WILSTON (PROBABLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Wilston (Probably) is a Scapa Flow wreck for those who love a bit of mystery and a lot of history. Down at 54 metres, this steamship is definitely a dive for the more experienced. What we really love about her is the journey to figure out her identity. She’s often called the Wilston, but really, it’s a best guess, which adds to the intrigue. Descending onto her deck feels like dropping into a ghost story. Her superstructure is still surprisingly intact, creating fascinating swim-throughs where you can almost hear the echoes of her past. We’ve found huge conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, and the deck often has a carpet of squat lobsters. It's dark down there, even on a sunny Orkney day, so good lights are essential to pick out the details of the machinery and the scattered debris. Our favourite tip? Take your time, really absorb the atmosphere. The deeper parts of Scapa can feel quite remote, and this wreck really embodies that quiet, sombre beauty. Visibility can be excellent, especially in early summer, making the sheer scale of the ship even more impressive.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.170900, -2.497050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: Long Berry Coast

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 WILSTON (PROBABLY)

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 WILSTON (PROBABLY)

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