Wreck of Loch Erisort - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Dropping onto the Reina del Mar is like stepping back in time, then fast-forwarding to see what nature does with a giant metal carcass. This isn’t just a pile of twisted steel; it’s a proper, upright wreck that whispers stories of its 1981 demise. We love how the bow points resolutely towards the surface, creating an almost cathedral-like silhouette against the sun. As you glide along the decks, you’ll find plenty of open spaces to peer into, giving you a real sense of its scale. The marine life here is the real star, though. Forget your usual Mediterranean suspects; we’ve seen schools of marbled spinefoot swarming the superstructure, and the sight of a loggerhead turtle cruising past the bridge is something we’d cross oceans for. Keep an eye out for those wide-eyed flounders pressed against the hull, perfectly camouflaged. We’d suggest an early morning dive to beat the boats and get the best light filtering through the hatches. It’s a site that suits experienced divers who appreciate history and don’t mind a little depth to explore the entire length.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.137135, -5.304306
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Assynt - Coigach

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 Loch Erisort

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 Loch Erisort

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