Wreck of Lapland - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Budrie is a brilliant warm-up dive for Scapa Flow, a chance to get your weighting sorted and refresh your wreck skills without the pressure of the deeper blockships. We love this site because it’s so accessible, sitting in around 12-15 metres, making it perfect for divers of all experience levels. You’ll find the trawler lying on its starboard side, largely intact, with the stern section still very recognisable. Drop down onto the deck and you can peer into the holds, often finding small schools of juvenile fish darting amongst the twisted metal. The bow section is particularly photogenic, draped in kelp and alive with squat lobsters hiding in every crevice. Keep an eye out for the vibrant light-bulb sea squirts that encrust the plating, a surprising splash of colour against the muted steel. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water, as currents can pick up a bit, making it a more relaxing explore. It’s a genuinely peaceful dive, a great introduction to Scapa’s history and marine life without venturing into the abyss.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.870980, -2.914732
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

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 Lapland

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 Lapland

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