Wreck of Isleford - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wreck of HMAS Voyager offers a different kind of dive on the Dili Coast. This isn't about vibrant reef action; it’s a journey into history beneath the waves. She was a World War I destroyer, scuttled intentionally in 1931, so you won’t find the dramatic breakages of a combat casualty, but rather a dignified resting place. We love the sheer scale of her; you can really make out the ship’s shape, her bow, stern, and the faint outlines of where her decks once ran. Penetration is out of the question – she’s largely collapsed and silted up – but we’d suggest taking your time to trace the length of the hull. Look for the large resident groupers tucked into crevices, their eyes following you as you pass. We’ve also seen barracuda circling high above the wreck on more than one occasion. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet solemnity of a wreck, where the marine life feels more like respectful inhabitants than a bustling crowd.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.440342, -3.067033
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Long Berry Coast

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 Isleford

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 Isleford

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