Wreck of Hmt Beech - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Bedouin, resting off Tabarka, isn't just another wreck. She’s a piece of naval history, a Tribal-class destroyer sunk in 1942, now an artificial reef we absolutely adore. Dropping down, you feel the weight of her past. Her structure is still remarkably intact for a ship that’s been down this long, with torpedo tubes visible and sections of the bridge still recognisable. We love picking through the debris field, imagining the chaos of her final moments. The Mediterranean has done its work, softening the edges with sponges and small corals. Schools of damselfish and small bream flit through the interior spaces, and you’ll often find conger eels peering from the darker corners. Our favourite spot is the stern, where loggerhead turtles sometimes cruise by, making a slow pass over the propellors. Currents here can be a bit shifty, so we always suggest checking local conditions before you jump. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, offering a genuinely atmospheric experience rather than just a quick peek.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.610577, -3.533342
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: North Caithness Cliffs

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 Hmt Beech

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 Hmt Beech

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