Wreck of Manipur - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Glenart Castle isn’t a shallow, easy dive. This is proper temperate wreck diving, often with a decent current pushing through. What we love about it, though, is how she really feels like a piece of history. You’re not just looking at metal; you’re looking at a ship that served as a hospital during WWI, and that context adds a real layer to the dive. The wreck lies broken but still recognisable in parts, with big plates of steel creating overhangs and crevices that are just bursting with life. We’ve finned past schools of whiting so dense they silver the water, and often spot common cuttlefish tucked into nooks. Keep an eye out for boarfish, their bright colours a nice contrast against the dark steel. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers who appreciate the story as much as the structure, and who don’t mind a bit of a challenge for the reward of exploring a true historical vessel.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.687603, -5.199634
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cape Wrath

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 Manipur

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 Manipur

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