Wreck of Alabama
Protected Area
Tong Saltings
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) - Wreck of Alabama offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Sportsman offers a proper wreck dive, a piece of World War II history resting on the seabed off the Medes Islands. We love dropping down onto her deck, imagining the submariners who once navigated these very corridors. There’s a particular feeling you get here, seeing the torpedo tubes and the conning tower still largely intact, despite the decades underwater. It’s not just a big metal tube though; the wreck has become a home, with schools of fish swirling around the hull and the occasional moonfish gliding past. Exploring her feels like stepping back in time, a sombre but fascinating experience for any diver who appreciates maritime history and the way the sea reclaims its own.
Safety Notes
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.
Reviews for Wreck of Alabama
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Alabama
Wreck of Alabama Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Alabama, 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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