Wreck of Andalina
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 Andalina offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Seawolf, an S-class submarine, rests in the chill, often murky embrace of the North Sea off Denmark. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart, or for those seeking vibrant coral. What you get here is pure, unadulterated wreck diving, a deep, silent encounter with history. We love how the Seawolf’s lines are still so clear, a haunting silhouette against the low visibility. You can make out the conning tower, the torpedo tubes, and the sheer scale of this war machine. Our favourite part is exploring the deck gun, often swarming with schools of juvenile cod and Pollock, darting in and out of the gun mounting. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of Friendly Blade Shrimp tucked into crevices, and we often spot Norway Lobsters scuttling across the seabed nearby. The wreck acts like an artificial reef, drawing in grey gurnard and common dragonets, even the occasional harbour porpoise can be spotted on the surface if you’re lucky. Visibility can be challenging, so this dive is best for experienced wreck divers comfortable with limited light and potentially strong currents. Come prepared for an atmospheric, introspective dive rather than a colourful spectacle. The Seawolf demands respect, and it rewards divers with an unforgettable connection to the past.
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 Andalina
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Andalina
Wreck of Andalina Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Andalina, 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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