Wreck of Emerald Wings - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Disperser sits quite upright in the gloom of Scapa Flow, an almost eerie perfection for a wreck of its age. We love this dive for its accessibility and just how much ship there is to see, even at modest depths. You’ll fin over thick decks, past gaping cargo holds that once carried oil, and then towards the collapsed but still impressive superstructure. The sheer scale of the ship is what grabs you first, a sprawling metal landscape now completely enveloped in life. Expect to see thick blankets of dulse and oarweed swaying gently on the currents, and then closer inspection reveals countless Beadlet anemones clinging to every surface. Saithe swim in lazy circles, often quite curious, while Common Eiders dive down from the surface, their calls muffled through your hood. Our favourite time to dive Disperser is on a slack tide, right as the light starts to filter down, illuminating the incredible colours of the sponges and soft corals that have made this wreck their home. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every nook and cranny.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.881820, -2.898189
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 Emerald Wings

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 Emerald Wings

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