Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Cullen to Stake Ness Coast

    Wreck of Artemis

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Cullen to Stake Ness Coast

    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 Artemis offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Scapa Flow is littered with history, but the *Artemis* offers a different kind of thrill compared to the colossal German fleet. We love this site because it’s a proper dive, feeling much more intimate. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is how intact she is – not just a pile of plates. You can still make out the superstructure, the bow pointing into the gloom, and the stern section. It’s got that ghostly vibe, but she’s also a vibrant home for critters. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling over the metalwork, their bright colours a stark contrast to the rust. Ling often peer out from shadowy corners, and we’ve even spotted inquisitive conger eels making their homes in the deeper sections. Our favourite part has to be exploring the open cargo holds, where sunlight, even on a cloudy Orkney day, filters down in hazy shafts, illuminating schools of saithe that dance around the beams. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, perfect for divers who appreciate the story behind the steel and don't mind the chill of the North Atlantic. Just be mindful of the current, it can pick up here, especially around the tides.

    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.

    Today06:3717:2010h 44m daylightGolden hour 16:27

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Artemis

    Wreck of Artemis Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Artemis, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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