Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Loch na Cartach

    Wreck of Hylas (Possibly)

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Loch na Cartach

    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 Hylas (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
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The HMT Royal Edward offers a profound dive, a proper piece of history right here in the Mediterranean. We love a wreck with a story, and this former troopship, sunk in 1915, tells a grim one. You descend onto what feels like a ghost, an enormous, broken hull resting on the seabed, typically in pretty good visibility that lets the full scale sink in. Expect to see vast sections of the ship’s structure – ribs, decks, and bulkheads – now heavily encrusted and serving as artificial reefs. Schools of white seabream drift through the shadows, while wrasse pick at the growth. Look closely, and you'll spot red lionfish tucked into crevices and the occasional marbled spinefoot grazing on algae. The Royal Edward isn't about intact cabins or machinery; it's about the sheer size and the feeling of diving through a moment frozen in time. This dive suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate historical context over colourful corals. The depth and potential currents mean it’s not for beginners, but for those with the skills, it’s a truly humbling experience.

    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.

    Today06:5017:3110h 41m daylightGolden hour 16:36

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Hylas (Possibly)

    Wreck of Hylas (Possibly) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Hylas (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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