Wreck of Artemis
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.
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.
Reviews for Wreck of Artemis
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)
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
Plan & book
Ways to dive Scapa Flow, Orkney, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Scapa Flow, OrkneyPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Scapa Flow, Orkney.
Search stays in Scapa Flow, OrkneyDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Wreck of Artemis
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
