Wreck of Mara - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Jersey, resting off Comino, is one of our favourite dives in Malta, largely because it’s surprisingly intact for a wreck of its age. She’s a Royal Navy destroyer, sunk by a mine in 1941, and while her stern was salvaged, the bow section remains, sitting upright on the seabed. We love the way the structure is still so recognisable – you can trace the outline of the bridge, even make out gun turrets, all covered in a thick carpet of sponges and hydroids. Visibility here is usually excellent, giving you clear views of the entire bow section as you descend. Look closely and you’ll spot sea horses clinging to the metalwork, or a painted comber darting between the plates. Schools of anchovies often swirl around the superstructure, catching the light. It's not a deep dive, making it accessible for advanced open water divers, and we’d suggest an early morning visit to avoid any boat traffic. The wreck has a quiet dignity to it, a real sense of history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.845420, -3.192268
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 Mara

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 Mara

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