Wreck of Cheviot - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Cheviot, often overshadowed by Scapa Flow's big battleships, is one of our secret favourites. She's a trawler, a working boat, and that's what we love about her – she feels more intimate, more relatable than the behemoths nearby. Dropping down onto her deck, you can still sense the grit of her working life. Keep an eye out for the resident wolf fish, often peeking from under a plate or beam. The trawler's compact size means you can really get a feel for the whole vessel in a single dive, exploring the wheelhouse structure and the engine room access. It’s a great choice for divers who appreciate the history of the working fleet and enjoy a more personal wreck encounter, especially when the big ships are busy. Visibility here can sometimes surprise you, offering clear views of her structure against the moody Orkney light.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.704790, -3.948868
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosemarkie to Shandwick Coast

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of Cheviot

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of Cheviot

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories