Wreck of Halcyon
Protected Area
Foveran Links
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 Halcyon offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Halcyon is often overlooked, overshadowed by Scapa Flow's bigger German battleships. But we think that's a mistake. This is a brilliant dive if you're into something a bit more intimate, a British trawler scuttled during WWII, lying on its side at around 20 metres. You drop onto the stern, which is surprisingly intact, the propeller still there, encrusted with dead man's fingers. We love to head into the bow section, a little tight but easy enough to penetrate, where you'll find plenty of inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the rusted beams. The light here can be moody, shafts cutting through the green water on a sunny day, making the metal glow. Look for the anemones, bright oranges and purples, clinging to every surface. It's a great choice for divers who appreciate history and don't mind the chill of a drysuit. Visibility can vary wildly, so pick a calm day if you can, the slack tide is always best here.
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.
Reviews for Wreck of Halcyon
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Halcyon
Wreck of Halcyon Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Halcyon, 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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