Wreck of Dagon - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Dagon* sits upright, a real bonus when you’re exploring wrecks. She’s not the biggest in Scapa, but her character makes her a standout. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, illuminating the schools of saithe that hang motionless, almost like they’re part of the ship itself. Drop down the shot line and you’ll find yourself on the stern. The deck guns are still in place, encrusted with dead man’s fingers and anemones, which always feels a little eerie. Our favourite spot is the engine room access, where you can peer inside to see the machinery still remarkably intact. It’s a proper penetration dive if you’ve got the experience, but even from the outside, the scale of it is impressive. Watch for the resident wrasse that dart in and out of the plating; they’re surprisingly curious. This dive suits those who appreciate historical context and the way a wreck slowly transforms into a living reef.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.460900, -1.781638
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan 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 Dagon

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 Dagon

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