Wreck of Collingdoc
Protected Area
Switha
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 Collingdoc offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Pentland Firth, a trawler sunk by a mine in 1918, feels like a proper piece of history down in Scapa Flow. It’s not one of the massive German fleet wrecks, but that’s precisely why we love it. The scale is more intimate, allowing you to really get a feel for the vessel. We’d suggest dropping onto the stern, which sits upright, before working your way forward. You’ll find the bow section a bit more broken up, but still incredibly atmospheric. Inside the holds, the light-bulb sea squirts glow with an ethereal quality, clinging to the bulkheads. Common lobsters often peer out from crevices, their antennae twitching in your torch beam. Look closely for jewel anemones painting the metalwork in flashes of orange and pink. It’s an ideal dive for those who appreciate exploring a compact wreck, where you can easily navigate without feeling overwhelmed, perfect for photographers or divers looking to truly connect with a piece of the past. Just remember your drysuit; this is Orkney, after all, and the chill adds to the historical weight.
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 Collingdoc
Wreck of Collingdoc Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Collingdoc, 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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