Wreck of Grace Darling - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow has its share of big, imposing wrecks, but we have a real soft spot for the Grace Darling. She’s a smaller trawler, sunk in 1940 after a collision, and that intimacy is what makes her so appealing. You can really get a feel for the whole vessel, from bow to stern, without needing multiple dives. We love exploring the wheelhouse, still largely intact, imagining the crew’s last moments on watch. The Grace Darling sits upright, making navigation straightforward, even in the sometimes-murky Orkney visibility. You'll often find a decent amount of light penetrating down, highlighting the riot of plumose anemones that cling to every surface. They really do make the wreck glow with their delicate white and orange tentacles. Look closer, and you'll spot plenty of squat lobsters tucked into crevices, along with inquisitive wrasse flitting between the superstructure. Our tip? Take your time around the stern, where the prop is often buzzing with small fish and, if you’re lucky, a curious conger eel peering from a pipe. It's a fantastic dive for those who appreciate the story of a smaller vessel and the resilient life that’s made it home.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.656880, -1.917875
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs 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 Grace Darling

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 Grace Darling

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