Wreck of Hmt Brora
Protected Area
Northton 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 Hmt Brora offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMT Brora, a trawler requisitioned by the Royal Navy during WWII, lies fairly intact in the murky embrace of Scapa Flow. It’s one of those wrecks we keep coming back to because it truly feels like a journey back in time, not just another pile of metal. You’ll fin down through the green water and suddenly her bow emerges, often with an anglerfish lurking in the shadows. The wheelhouse is still largely there, letting you peek inside, imagining the last moments of her crew. We love exploring her holds, dark and quiet, where the local wrasse dart between the rusted frames. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they coat almost every surface in a fuzzy, white carpet, a stark contrast to the deep gloom. The Brora is a great dive for those who appreciate the history of these waters, and she’s a particularly forgiving Scapa Flow wreck, often less prone to the stronger currents that can plague other sites here. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is often visible, still defiant against the slow decay.
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 Hmt Brora
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Hmt Brora
Wreck of Hmt Brora Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Hmt Brora, 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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