Wreck of Guiding Star
Protected Area
Wester Ross
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 Guiding Star offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Guiding Star sits deep in Scapa Flow, an echo of the fishing fleet that once worked these waters. It’s not one of the big German battleships, but that’s precisely why we love it. This is a working boat, relatively intact, resting on its starboard side. Descending through the cool, green water, you’ll start to pick out the mast, then the wheelhouse. Our favourite part has to be the stern. You can really get a sense of the vessel’s original purpose here. There are still parts of the trawl gear visible, encrusted with anemones and the occasional squat lobster peeking out from behind a growth. We’d suggest exploring the holds too; they’re often full of curious pollack and sometimes a grumpy conger eel. Visibility can vary, so pick a slack tide if you can for the best chance to take it all in. It’s a rewarding dive for those who appreciate maritime history and the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.
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 Guiding Star
Wreck of Guiding Star Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Guiding Star, 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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