Wreck of Halcyon - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.306587, -1.985046
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Foveran Links

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 Halcyon

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 Halcyon

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