Wreck of Glenisla
Protected Area
Noss
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 Glenisla offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Glenisla*, or what’s left of her after that run-in with the *Loch Shiel*, is a cracker of a dive if you’re into the skeletal remains of old ships. We love how she’s broken into such distinct sections, scattered across the seafloor. You drop down, and the first thing you notice is the sheer scale of the twisted metal, all draped in kelp. It’s a proper archaeological dive, you’re piecing together the story with every fin kick. Our favourite part has to be the stern section, it’s still relatively intact, with enough nooks and crannies to keep you busy. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they absolutely carpet some of the plates, swaying gently in the slight current. You’ll find plenty of inquisitive wrasse darting in and out, and the occasional ling or conger eel tucked away in the darker recesses. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack water and aiming for a sunny day if you can, it really helps illuminate the wreck. This one’s best for divers who appreciate the history as much as the marine life, and who don’t mind a bit of a rummage amongst the wreckage.
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 Glenisla
Wreck of Glenisla Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Glenisla, 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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