Wreck of Busk
Protected Area
Copinsay
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 Busk offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
We love a good Scapa Flow wreck, and the *Busk* offers something a little different from the German High Seas Fleet giants. Lying on her side at around 20 metres, she’s a relatively intact little cargo ship. You can still make out the superstructure and the holds, which makes for some great swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is often silhouetted against the ambient light, a really striking image. Visibility in Scapa Flow can be a bit variable, but the *Busk* rarely disappoints. Even on murkier days, her structure is compact enough to explore without losing your buddy. The wreck itself has become a fantastic artificial reef. We always spot plump common shore crabs scuttling across her plates and those vibrant Devonshire cup corals adding splashes of orange to the rusted steel. Look out for poor cod darting in and out of the darker corners. It's a dive that suits divers looking for a bit of history and a relaxed exploration, without the intimidating scale of some of Scapa's larger vessels.
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Busk
Wreck of Busk Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Busk, 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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