20-40m
    Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Findhorn Bay

    Wreck of Guiding Star [Possibly]

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Findhorn Bay

    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 [Possibly] offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 20-40m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The *Strato* is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks that just *feels* right. It’s a trawler, sitting upright and mostly intact at around 20 metres, making it accessible for a wider range of divers than some of the deeper blockships. We love how the wheelhouse offers a proper penetration for those comfortable with overhead environments, a real sense of exploration. Inside, it’s dark, silty, and feels like stepping back in time. Outside, the deck machinery is still largely in place, draped in a surprising amount of colourful jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for conger eels – they’re almost always lurking. Visibility here can be decent on a good day, but it’s still Scapa, so be prepared for a bit of a gloom and rely on your torch. We’d suggest diving it on a slack tide, naturally, to fully appreciate the details without fighting a push. It’s our pick for a dive that offers both history and a solid biological interest, a truly satisfying wreck dive.

    Typical Wreck of Guiding Star [Possibly] Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m max~30 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

    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.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:4017:2410h 44m daylightGolden hour 16:30

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Guiding Star [Possibly]

    Wreck of Guiding Star [Possibly] Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Guiding Star [Possibly], sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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